The 2023 edition of the iconic Ashes series got underway at Edgbaston on Friday, June 16. England won the toss and opted to bat first against the newly crowned World Test Champions, Australia.
England had already announced their playing XI couple of days before, while Australia brought in Josh Hazlewood for Mitchell Starc from the team that played against India in the WTC Final.
Zak Crawley got England off to a great start by smashing the first ball bowled by Australian captain, Pat Cummins for four. He went on to score 61 as England went into the lunch break at 124/3.
Australia began the second session brightly as they reduced the hosts to 176/5, picking up the wickets of Harry Brook and skipper Ben Stokes. The comeback man, Jonny Bairstow joined Joe Root in the middle as the duo carried the responsibility to get the innings back on track.
WATCH – Harry Brook out bowled in bizarre fashion on Day 1 of Ashes opener at Edgbaston
Root put on a exhibition of stunning batsmanship, as he brought up his 30th Test hundred, to remain unbeaten on 118 while Bairstow scored 78 as England piled up 393/8 and surprisingly declared to have few overs at Australia's openers in the closing stages of the first day. Nathan Lyon was the most successful bowler for Australia with 4/149.
David Warner and Usman Khawaja negotiated the four overs safely as Australia were 14/0 when play was called off for the day.
The cricketing fraternity applauded Root as his majestic ton helped England to post a good total on the board after almost losing their way.
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