The 73rd Ashes series is all set to begin on 16 June 2023 as it will run up to 31 July. The series is going to happen in England. However, this series is known as one of the most well-contested rivalries between England and Australia.
Top quality players will be in action from both the batting and bowling department from both sides. But there are some players’ battles which can lit up the series and even, fans will be eager to see how those pan out throughout the series.
Here are the top three players’ battles to watch out for in the upcoming Ashes 2023
Marcus Labuschagne vs Mark Wood
Mark Wood has a phenomenal record against this star Aussie batter, Marcus Labuschagne. Wood has dismissed Labuschagne for three times while conceding only 37 runs off 61 balls in Tests. His average has been 12.3 while strike rate has been 60.7. So, in England, in the upcoming series, Mark Wood will look to continue his dominance over Labuschagne. However, he might play as the third pacer in the playing XI along with James Anderson and Stuart Board.
Joe Root has been one of the finest batters for England over the years for England. So, Root will look to continue his form again against Australia. But Scott Boland might become the option for Australia to dismiss the former England skipper cheaply. Boland has dismissed Root for four times so far while conceding only 39 runs off 74 balls. Root has an average of 9.8 with a strike rate of 52.7 against Boland. So, fans will be eager to see how the English batter will handle the Aussie bowler this time around.
Steve Smith has always loved to score a ton of runs against England whether in Australia or England. But, in the last two years, Ollie Robinson has performed brilliantly against him. Robinson has dismissed Smith twice while conceding 18 runs off just 76 balls. Smith has an average of 9 with a strike rate of 23.7 against Robinson. So, in England conditions, Ollie Robinson is again going to be a great option for the home side to stop Steve Smith from scoring big runs in the upcoming series.