Australia will aim to retain the urn while hosts England will look to avenge their 4-0 loss in the 2021-22 season (Pic: AFP)
Jonny Bairstow, who was the torch-bearer of 'Bazball' cricket in 2022, missed the second half of the year due to an injury. Before the long layoff, Bairstow slammed 1,061 runs in 10 Tests registering as many as six centuries and revitalising England's red-ball ambitions.
Ben Stokes, who has been successful in his aggressive approach, thus far, will have his work cut out against Pat Cummins and Co., who are known to prepare well and pull a rabbit out of the hat if need be. On the batting and bowling front, the all-rounder looks under-cooked given his time off due to an injury off-late.
Scott Boland, who rocked England batter during the 2021-21 Ashes series, claiming 18 wickets in three Tests, will once again, be a threat with the nagging line and length.
A dark horse in Australia's line-up, Travis Head caught an unprepared Indian team off-guard in the WTC Final 2023 and made a statement. He fills in the role of a finisher in the Australian line-up, something that the great Adam Gilchrist used to do very well.
Steve Smith, who averages 65.08 in Ashes Tests on English soil, is crucial for the success of both teams in the upcoming five-Test contest. Australia banks on Smith's run-making ability, which enable other batters to bat as their liking.
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