The Ashes 1st Test Prediction (2023) with Odds & Preview: England versus Australia. Who Will Be Victorious?

One of the world's most popular and competitive Test match cricket series, The Ashes, is going to get underway on the 16th of June at Edgbaston in Birmingham. Australia have had their hands on the little urn since the series in 2017/18, so England will be eager to claim it back. Both of these teams are very evenly matched, so we are expecting a close and highly entertaining five matches. Read on to find out who I think will win the first match.

🌹 England Team Preview

This England team, managed by Brendon McCullum and captained by Ben Stokes, is a different beast to the one that was destroyed 4-0 Down Under at the beginning of last year. They now play a very aggressive brand of cricket under McCullum that has seen them breeze by most of their opponents over the last year.

Stokes will lead his country for the 2023 Ashes series, and while there is no doubting his ability as a player and a captain, he does have a few injury concerns that could pop up. If they do, then England might find themselves a bowler short in some sweltering conditions.

England will open with Ben Duckett and Zak Crawley and while this is not the strongest opening pair on the planet, if they can hang around and lay a platform, then the likes of Ollie Pope, Harry Brook, Joe Root, and Johnny Bairstow can come in and cause carnage. Many will be eager to see what Brook can do as he is definitely one of the brightest young English cricket stars.

Moeen Ali has come out of Test retirement to replace the injured Jack Leach, and he will be called upon when the quicks need a bit of a breather. Root can also bowl some decent spin, so we expect to see him turn his arm over at some point. The brilliant James Anderson will be the leader of the attack, and he will be ably supported by Stuart Broad and Ollie Robinson.

England have played aggressive cricket over the last 12 months, and we do not see them changing the way that they play in this series. They will come out all guns blazing, but this is something that could fail spectacularly against one of the best bowling attacks in the world.

🦘 Australia Team Preview

Australia were recently crowned as Test champions, so they will have plenty of confidence going into this series. Their players have spent quite some time in England, so should be getting pretty used to the conditions. The team put in a very good all-round showing against India last week in the WTC Final, and they will want to do the same at Edgbaston.

There has to be some concern surrounding the form of David Warner though, who dismissed cheaply in both innings against India. In recent years, Broad has had Warner on toast, and there is every chance that Warner could end up being his bunny once again - the Barmy Army would love that. Usman Khawaja also did not play at his best against India, but he is usually quite reliable.

Australia have nothing to worry about when it comes to their middle order. Travis Head scored a great century against India, while Steve Smith averages more than 100 in his last eight innings in England. Cameron Green and Marnus Labuschagne can also chip in with big runs, so if England have the Aussie batsmen on the ropes, they need to go for the kill.

Their strength is in their bowling though - in Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Scott Boland, and Josh Hazlewood, they have one of the world's best seam attacks. Green can also chip in with some quality, if required. Then there is Nathan Lyon, who has gone from strength to strength in recent years. If they get on top against "Bazball", then things could get a bit embarrassing for the hosts.

⚡ 1st Test Toss Prediction

The team that is lucky enough to win the toss will probably ask to field first. Both of these sides are usually "bowl first" teams, but not for the same reasons. The Aussies will always back themselves to do plenty of damage with the new ball and get on top of their opponents, while England prefer to chase - there is no total too big for them.

🌱 Pitch Conditions at Edgbaston Cricket Ground

The Edgbaston pitch is usually good to bat on and provides decent bounce and pace for the quick bowlers. The spinners usually come into the game later on as the pitch starts to deteriorate and rough spots form. There should be a good contest between batsmen and bowlers, and there is always good value for your shots at this ground. The first three days should be very warm and pleasant, but there might be some rain around on day four and five.

🔮 Our Ashes 1st Test Match Prediction

So, if you are going to bet on a winner at betting sites in Ireland, who would I recommend you put your money on? Well, it is bound to be an intriguing contest between a very good bowling attack and an aggressive batting lineup. It is not an easy match to call, but I think England's home advantage will just about carry them over the line. Therefore, I would bet on England to take a 1-0 lead in the series.

✒️ Sheldon Muchmore - iGaming and Sports Betting Enthusiast

This Ashes First Test prediction was written by Sheldon Muchmore.

Sheldon is a tipster and betting expert from the United Kingdom who has a passion for a whole range of sports, particularly football, rugby, and cricket. He is an avid Aston Villa fan, so feel free to feel a bit of pity for him. He has been involved in the online gambling industry for a number of years now and has written a large number of predictions for a variety of sports including GAA, so he has built up a lot of sporting expertise over the years.