Last Updated on 2 years by Charbel Coorey
Ashes 2023 predictions – top run scorer, wicket taker & who will win? | Predictions for the 2023 Ashes – who will win the series?
The 2023 Ashes has the potential to be the best since 2005. Such big statements can often be thrown around aimlessly, but the potential storylines, matchups and pitch conditions will make for riveting viewing and countless talking points.
It’s BazBall against the world Test champions. A side rejuvinated under Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum will go head-on against a consistent force in the red-ball format, especially over the past two years. This force, Australia, are aiming to achieve a first series win in England since 2001, but it won’t be easy.
Australia, on paper, look the better team. If you had to create a combined Ashes XI out of the current squads, more Australian players will appear on that team sheet. However, that’s not how the Ashes works, particularly in England, and particularly against a Stokes-led team that plays so boldly.
Such a series can defy logic. As a result, it’s a mighty difficult one to predict. In this article, we’ll attempt to land three predictions that may come true by the end of what should be a fantastic series.
Leading run-scorer: Steve Smith
The greatest Test cricketer of this generation comes into the series off the back of a superb century in the recent World Test Championship (WTC) Final. His numbers in England – 1,882 runs at an average of 60.70 – are astronomical, and he is well placed to have another big series.
Yes, England are playing with confidence. Yes, James Anderson is around this time. However, with England set to produce fast, flat pitches, these conditions should play right into the hands of Smith, who has an insatiable hunger for runs.
Other leading contenders: Joe Root, Marnus Labuschagne, Travis Head, Harry Brook.
Leading wicket-taker: Nathan Lyon
It’s a brave call to pick a spinner to finish as the leading wicket-taker of a series in England. However, there are a few key reasons for choosing Nathan Lyon.
Firstly, all five Test matches are packed in closely together. So, expect to see fast bowlers from both sides rested and rotated throughout the series.
Secondly, conditions throughout the UK have been quite dry in recent weeks, which may aid spin. Couple that with England’s desire to produce true batting pitches that may aid spin later in the Tests. In fact, we saw Lyon spin the ball effectively in the WTC Final.
Thirdly, England will take on Lyon to try increase the pressure on Australia’s bowlers. Given Lyon’s experience, quality and solid record in English conditions (50 wickets, avg. 29.66), expect wickets for the offspinner as the opposition looks to take more chances against him.
Other leading contenders: Stuart Broad, James Anderson, Pat Cummins, Scott Boland.
Series scoreline: 2-2
Both sides are capable of winning multiple Tests. However, both can easily lose a couple. It has the makings of a fascinating series where the result will be split, with many ebbs and flows sure to leave us on the edge of our seats.
Australia have the depth, but England are at home and are playing fearlessly. Also, James Anderson is available, and should have an impact given how brilliantly he is still bowling. However, where England may struggle is in the spin department after Jack Leach’s injury, which increases the burden on the seam attack. Also, how well will the top three of Crawley, Duckett and Pope perform?
From an Australian perspective, Pat Cummins’ captaincy will come under the microscope. Will he be proactive enough? How long until he pushes fielders back on the rope? One feels he will learn plenty on this tour.
Also, whether the attack as a whole can keep England as quiet as possible on mostly good batting surfaces is a key question, as is the opening batting combination of Warner and Khawaja in UK conditions.
While both sides have their strengths, there are some flaws. Australia are good enough to retain the urn, but this Ben Stokes’s team will prolong their 22-year wait of winning a series in England.
2-2 it is with a rain-affected match somewhere along the line.
Bring it on.
