Even before the world gets out of the WTC finale mania, another swashbuckling cricketing extravaganza will unfurl ahead of the fans as the Ashes 2023 kicks off from 16th June. This time the caravan will be shifting in England, the den of the three lions who were rocked, rolled and absolutely razed into smithereens by the soaring Aussies in the preceding edition of the tournament.
The last edition of the tournament saw Australia baffle England by a staggering 4-1 as the visitors had no response whatsoever to the might and supremacy of the hosts’ pace mafia. This time however, despite the fact that England will be hosting the age-old rivalry, there are reasons to believe why this tournament would not be one-sided despite all the hallowed talks of Bazball. Here are three reasons why the Ashes 2023 will be a nip and tuck battle.
#1 The pitches in England are pacy and bouncy that actually plays to the strengths of Australia
It is not like that the surfaces of England change drastically to those rank turners like in the sub-continent. Ideally, the pacy tracks of England simply pays to the strengths of Australia as their pace mafia has been leading the show for a while now.
With the return of Josh Hazlewood, their pace mafia would comprise of a returning Pat Cummins, a soaring Mitchell Starc, all-rounder Cameron Green and even a record fourth in the form of Scott Boland. Now one may argue that there will be lateral movement and in case if that what the surfaces have to offer, one would not be surprised to welcome Nathan Ellis to the squad who has been a real thorn in the flesh of the batters in the ongoing IPL.
#2 Australia’s batting depth is another reason why England should be a lot more worried in Ashes 2023
The reckoning Aussies come to the tournament with an extremely deep batting squad that can be a real worry for the English bowlers. Ideally, even Nathan Lyon can hang around in the center for a while and in the way they navigated the mysterious tracks of India, expect them to hit the yard in even better form when the two powerhouses collide.
Alongside the depth, the presence of two huge names in the list that features the likes of Steve Smith and Marnus Labuschagne will automatically change the complexion of the game. And if both of them survive for a couple of session, it won’t be surprising if England again has to post out that message on their tubes asking their fans “Does anyone know how to get Steve Smith out?”
#3 Australia will be already familiar with the conditions a week ahead of the Ashes 2023
Before the two arch-enemies collide for the renowned rivalry that has been rocking the grounds back and forth for ages now, Australia will be getting acclimatized to the pitches considering the fact that they have an even bigger encounter to play in the WTC final against the might of India.
With the kind of resistance that they would face from India, they will be expecting the steepest of challenges from the hosts as well. Hence, they will be starting their preparations miles ahead of the tournament that can give the psychological advantage ahead of the beginning of Ashes 2023.
