England v Australia - Men - Ashes 2022 & 2023

Ashes 2023: England vs Australia fixtures, start times and TV channel for Test series..

Ashes fixtures and full schedule

First Test, Edgbaston, Birmingham June 16th-20th

Second Test, Lord's, London June 28th-July 2nd

Third Test, Headingley, Leeds July 6th-10th

Fourth Test, Old Trafford, Manchester July 19th-23rd

Fifth Test, The Oval, London, July 27th-31st


What is England's record in the Ashes at each ground ?

Edgbaston P16 W6 L4 D5

Lord's P37 W7 L15 D15

Headingley P25 W8 L9 D8

Old Trafford P30 W7 L8 D15

The Oval P38 W17 L7 D14


What TV Channel is it on ? How can I watch in the UK ?

Sky has the rights for domestic Tests and will broadcast all five matches exclusively live on Sky Sports Cricket and Sky Sports Main Event.

The BBC has secondary rights for the highlights package and will show them, likely if previous series are anything to go by, on BBC2 at 7pm.

The Corporation also has the radio rights for domestic Tests and will feature ball-by-ball coverage (unless you are listening on long wave during the shipping forecast) on Radio 5 Live Sports Extra, Radio 4 LW and via the BBC Sounds app.

Glenn McGrath predicts 5-0 Australia win in Ashes - what do other TMS pundits think ?..

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Glenn McGrath took 10 five-wicket hauls against England and has (probably!) registered just as many 5-0 Ashes predictions


The most eagerly anticipated Ashes series for a generation begins on Friday, with England looking to regain the urn from Australia.

Will the swashbuckling brand of cricket championed by captain Ben Stokes give England their first win over Australia since 2015, or will the Aussies end a 22-year wait for an Ashes win in this country?

We asked the Test Match Special team to give us their verdict.

Michael Vaughan, Ashes-winning captain in 2005: "History says Australia haven't won in the UK since 2001. The last time they were here in 2019, it was a very similar team to what they have now and they only managed a 2-2 draw against an England team that wasn't very good. England are miles better now and they will surprise the Australians."

Prediction: England 3-1 Australia

BBC cricket correspondent Jonathan Agnew, an Ashes winner in 1985: "It all depends on the first Test. Whoever wins that will win the Ashes. Therefore, the question is who is best placed to win at Edgbaston? If England do lose there, the message from Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum will be to go hard. Australia look very well prepared. My heart says 3-1 England, but head says something different.

Prediction: England 1-3 Australia

Former England spinner Phil Tufnell: "There won't be too many draws, if any. It will be nip and tuck all the way, a couple of heavyweights slugging it out right until the final round, when we will find out who the last team standing is. I'm going to say England. Just."

Prediction: England 3-2 Australia

Two-time Ashes-winning captain Sir Alastair Cook: "Stuart Broad thinks it will be 3-2 - that it will go to The Oval 2-2 and we'll win there. I think there will be a bit of weather about at some stage, so that takes one of the equation for the draw. England's bowlers need to stay fit. I'm excited to see how Australia confront Bazball, because there are so many unanswered questions."

Prediction: England 3-1 Australia

World Cup winner Alex Hartley: "England will shock Australia with their style. I can see them winning the first two Tests. The only way there will be a draw is if there is rain, which could come at my home ground in Manchester. Australia have got a brilliant bowling attack and their middle order batting is dangerous. England will have to stick to their plans against them. It will be very exciting."

Prediction: England 3-1 Australia

Former England bowler Steven Finn, a three-time Ashes winner: "I can see it being a very, very competitive series. I hope all of Australia's frontline bowling attack are fit, because that is their best chance of winning. The way England have played, the momentum they have and the crowds that will be behind them will play a significant part in swinging it their way. I see a result in every Test unless there is weather, with the series decided in the last match at The Oval."

Prediction: England 3-2 Australia

Ex-Australia fast bowler Glenn McGrath: "I've been really impressed with the way England have been playing, but this Australian team is different with a great bowling attack and quality batters. It's going to be an incredible contest. The first Test is massively important. I can see every Test going down to the wire, with Australia just winning… every game. I'm sure people want me to say 5-0, so I will not disappoint them."

Prediction: England 0-5 Australia

Isa Guha, Ashes winner in 2008: "It's a series that is so hard to predict because there are so many unknowns. England haven't won an Ashes series since 2015, but this is a great chance to end that run because of their brave style. They will probably get into trouble at some stage, but they will have too much for Australia."

Prediction: England 3-1 Australia

Test Match Special commentator Jim Maxwell: "Australia will dominate the series because of the better quality and greater durability of their bowling when compared to the England attack. Batting is problematic, but Australia's middle order looks very, very strong. Australia will win by a wide margin."

Prediction: England 1-4 Australia

Former Australia fast bowler Jason Gillespie: "Under Stokes and McCullum, England's ultra-positive gameplan has worked against whoever they have come up against, with 11 wins from 13 Tests since last year. Australia, though, have quality bowling in the shape of Cummins, Boland, Hazlewood, Starc and Lyon. England will unravel."

Prediction: England 1-3 Australia

Test Match Special commentator Alison Mitchell: "England have had their plans disrupted by Jack Leach's injury and questions remain over Ben Stokes' fitness to bowl. The importance of Stokes' bowling to England is accentuated by the talents of his opposite number, Cameron Green, who is only 23 but could come of age in a big way during this series. Australia's openers David Warner and Usman Khawaja don't have a good record in England; while James Anderson, Stuart Broad and Ollie Robinson can exploit conditions expertly should pitches offer movement. If Stokes can play a full role, England can take a tight series."

Prediction: England 3-2 Australia

Test Match Special commentator Daniel Norcross: "England are playing with a joyous exuberance that has defied all the sceptics and doomsayers, but Australia are a different prospect. Their absurdly powerful top six could be Kryptonite for England's attack. The Aussies score at a fair lick themselves and against Stokes' inevitably attacking fields, I expect Smith, Labuschagne and Travis Head to thrive. Man for man, Australia are the best side in the world. Cricketing logic screams that Australia will win and win comfortably, but Stokes' England have defied logic. As much as I would love a tight series with a thrilling Oval decider, my head tells me Australia will win handsomely. It will be great fun to watch, though, whatever the result."

Prediction: England 1-4 Australia

Test Match Special commentator Simon Mann: "Good luck guessing the result of this series. England's aggressive approach against Australia's disciplined, relentless method makes for a tantalising and unpredictable cocktail. You can throw the issue of player fitness into the mix as well. I can't see a draw unless it rains and I can offer only a tentative prediction about the outcome: England to rattle Australia's cage, but Australia to stay sufficiently composed to edge the series."

Prediction: England 2-3 Australia

All those pundits who predicted an Aussie win should be found guilty of Sedition. They should be forced into court with the Judge shouting out, "march the guilty barstewards in" ! That'll learn 'em.

The Ashes 2023: Joe Root & Steve Smith set for summer showdown..By Jack Skelton, BBC Sport.

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Steve Smith has the most Test centuries of active batters, while Joe Root has the most runs.

Two of the best Test batters of their generation are about to face each other again in the Ashes.

England have Joe Root, with the most Test runs among active batters, on a sparkling run of form.

Australia have Steve Smith, the supreme Test century-maker of the era, looking back to his best.

Who will go down as the greater Test batter? And if you have to pick one to bat at number four, who are you going for?

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If you are picking a player for an Ashes series, Smith is the clear winner.

Only Australia legend Don Bradman (19) and England great Jack Hobbs (12) have more Ashes centuries than Smith's 11.

He is fifth on the all-time Ashes runs list with 3,044 - 592 behind Hobbs in second - so will likely end his career as the most prolific Ashes run-scorer since Bradman (5,028). He could get there by the end of this series.

Root averages 38.76 against Australia, compared to 53.82 against all other teams.

All three of his Ashes centuries have come at home, and he has not made one since 2015.

Smith's Ashes average in England (65.08) is better than in Australia (54.50) and his performance in 2019 - 774 runs at an average of 110.57 despite missing a Test because of concussion - was one of the greatest ever series by a batter.

Root said Smith's 2019 Ashes showing was a "phenomenal achievement", especially given the scrutiny he was under returning from a year-long ban for his part in Australia's 2018 ball-tampering scandal.

"It showed how good a player he is, how strong a character he is and clearly how much this contest means to him," Root told BBC Sport.

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Perhaps it comes down to which statistics you value most.

Root, 32, is on course to end his career with significantly more Test runs and likely more centuries than Smith, 34, whose totals are impacted by his ban.

With 11,004 runs already, Root even has a chance of surpassing Sachin Tendulkar's world record of 15,921 - provided he remains healthy, hungry and prolific.

Some will point to England playing more Tests than other teams, but Root's ability to remain fit and focused despite the demands of a busy schedule deserves credit.

As Smith told BBC Sport, Root has "set the standard for English cricket in particular but also cricket all around the world" over the past decade.

Smith has the sixth-best Test average of all time (60.04), has converted 45.6% of his fifties into hundreds and scored a century in 18.1% of his innings.

Root averages 50.24, has a conversion rate of 33.3% and has hit a century in 12.2% of his innings.

We are only talking Tests here - but open it out to all formats and Root has superior records to Smith in one-day and T20 international cricket.

It is not all about stats, though. Who do you want to watch bat?

Root is more aesthetically pleasing, his trademark poise and elegance now supplemented by flourishes such as the ramp shot - having been given more licence to excite under Ben Stokes, his successor as England captain.

Smith's fidgety rituals and exaggerated leaves may draw groans from some viewers, but he is a batter of rare touch and timing too, seemingly incapable of being dismissed at his best.

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Smith and Root have faced each other in six previous Ashes series, but only in 2015 were they both their team's top runscorers.

Root was named player of the series as England won 3-2, but it did not feel like his rivalry with Smith was the most pivotal factor in the outcome.

There are plenty of reasons to hope this summer will provide a series-defining showdown between the pair.

Root will be confident he can improve his Ashes record after a stellar run.

Since the start of 2021, Root has hit 3,181 runs and 12 centuries - no other Test batter has passed 2,000 runs or made more than seven tons in that time.

He is no longer burdened by the captaincy and has thrived under Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum.

After a relatively modest spell, Smith looked ominous in the World Test Championship final win over India as he compiled his 31st Test century - the most of any active batter.

This also could be Smith's last chance to win an Ashes series in England after two defeats and one draw.

So, who are you picking?

Can I just say that I think Wood should have been selected before Broad.

There, that will guarantee a 5 for Broad !

Nottingham attacks: England and Australia to pay tribute to victims at Ashes Tests..

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Ian Coates, Barnaby Webber and Grace O'Malley-Kumar were stabbed to death

England and Australia will pay tribute to the victims of the Nottingham attacks on day one of the first Ashes Test at Edgbaston on Friday.

Players and management will wear black armbands, while there will also be a moment's silence before play starts.

The same tributes will be paid on day one of the women's Ashes Test at Trent Bridge in Nottingham on 22 June.

Three people died after a series of attacks in Nottingham early on Tuesday morning.

University of Nottingham students Barnaby Webber and Grace O'Malley-Kumar, both 19, and school caretaker Ian Coates, 65, were stabbed, with another three people injured.

"The deeply distressing scenes witnessed in Nottingham this week have brought immense sorrow to everyone, particularly the cherished friends and families of the victims," said England men's Test captain Ben Stokes.

"It is impossible to express how much their lives and futures have been tragically disrupted.

"These events sadden the England cricket teams, and we are thinking about those affected at this harrowing time. As a gesture of respect, we will honour them by wearing black armbands."

Ms O'Malley-Kumar was a member of the England U16 and U18 hockey squads, as well as playing for Southgate Hockey Club and Woodford Wells Cricket Club in London.

Mr Webber was a "key member" of Bishops Hull Cricket Club and had been selected for the university team.

England women's captain Heather Knight said: "It was incredibly saddening to learn about the events that took place in Nottingham, and it felt a bit closer to home to learn that two of the victims had been cricket players.

"All of our thoughts are with the families and friends of everyone affected by the tragedy, and with the city of Nottingham."

A 31-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of murder and remains in police custody.

1st Test - Venue: Edgbaston, Birmingham - Day 3 of 5 - England won the toss and decided to bat.

England 393-8 dec (78 0vers) Crawley 61, Bairstow 78, Root 118 not out, Lyon 29-1-149-4 (5.14)

Australia 386 all out (116.1 overs) Khawaja 141, Carey 66, Head 50, Anderson & Broad 3 wkts each

England 28-2 (10.3 overs) Duckett 19, Crawley 7, Cummings & Boland 1 wicket each...

Rain ended play early: Close - England lead Australia by 35 runs with 8 wickets remaining

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Report By Stephan Shemilt, Chief cricket writer at Edgbaston.

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England were hit by a one-two punch from Australia in a devastating 21-minute spell before rain ruined the third day of the first Ashes Test.

Only 22 balls were possible after 14:15 BST at Edgbaston, but in that time Australia were rampant under slate skies and floodlights to claim two wickets for two runs.

Ben Duckett poked Pat Cummins to gully, where Cameron Green took a trademark catch, and a shuffling Zak Crawley edged Scott Boland behind.

Joe Root was also the subject of a review off Cummins before the second and final heavy shower of the day allowed England to escape on 28-2, 35 ahead.

All this came after England had much the better of the dry morning, running through the Australia lower order to claim a first-innings lead of seven runs.

After Usman Khawaja was out-thought by another ingenious plan from Ben Stokes and bowled by Ollie Robinson for 141, Australia lost their last four wickets for 14 runs to be dismissed for 386.

Robinson and Stuart Broad bounced out the tail, each ending with three wickets.

Overall, 47.3 overs were lost to rain, with more forecast for day five on Tuesday. The wet weather, wearing pitch and clash of styles add fuel to what could be a thrilling conclusion to an enthralling series opener.


Less than 33 overs of play were possible on a soggy Sunday in Birmingham, but there was still time for some engrossing and dramatic Test cricket.

England were superb in the morning session, taking advantage of Australia's lack of intent to perfectly execute some carefully laid plans and delight the riotous Hollies Stand.

But the Australian passiveness disappeared in the small window between the showers that arrived as forecast after lunch.

With the ball nibbling more than any time in the match, Australia made the benign surface look full of danger. England were lucky to get out only two down.

Monday is set to be dry, but the rain predicted for Tuesday will have an influence on any potential England declaration - if they bat long enough for that luxury.

There is the suspicion the pitch will deteriorate and turn, in theory helping Moeen Ali. However, the England off-spinner has a nasty cut on his spinning finger that affected his bowling on Sunday morning.

1st Test - Venue: Edgbaston, Birmingham - Day 4 of 5 - England won the toss and decided to bat.

England 393-8 dec (78 0vers) Crawley 61, Bairstow 78, Root 118 not out, Lyon 29-1-149-4 (5.14)

Australia 386 all out (116.1 overs) Khawaja 141, Carey 66, Head 50, Anderson & Broad 3 wkts each

England 137-4 (30 overs) Root 46, Duckett 19, Brook 39 not out, Cummings 2-33

Latest: England lead Australia by 144 runs with 6 wickets remaining

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Get Involved - caption competition
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I’m a little teapot short and stout...Carl in Singapore

Did you hear they're bringing Neighbours back? ..from Jamie in Devon

Walkabout on Broad St later?..Anon

Can I borrow your sandpaper Dave, I think I have a nick on my bat? ..from Neil in Hampshire

Fancy a beer after work mate? ..from Jordan in Hereford

Shall I show you how to bat left-handed?..Buster in Portsmouth

Root: "To be honest, I don't really need a bat" ..from James Dawkins, Gamlingay, Cambs

'I am your father'.... sorry, still stuck on yesterday's... from Westy in Christchurch