The Ashes 2023

Tournament Overview

Series Overview

The 2023 Ashes series in England was one of the most captivating Test series of the modern era. England, under the leadership of Ben Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum, adopted an attacking batting approach — dubbed Bazball — that had transformed their Test results through 2022 and early 2023. Australia arrived as the reigning Ashes holders, having won 4-0 in Australia in 2021-22, and were seeking to retain in England for the first time since 2001. The five-match series produced extraordinary cricket from the first ball at Edgbaston. Australia won the first Test, England won the second and third to lead 2-1, before Australia squared the series at Manchester. The final Test at The Oval was drawn, meaning Australia retained the urn with the series ending 2-2. Pat Cummins led Australia's bowling with skill and composure, while England's Ben Duckett, Zak Crawley, and Harry Brook batted with consistent aggression. The series demonstrated that Test cricket, played in the right spirit, remains the sport's most compelling form.

Key Highlights

• 1Australia retained the Ashes in England for the first time since 2001
• 2England's Bazball approach won two Tests but couldn't regain the urn
• 3Zak Crawley's century at Edgbaston set the tone for England's aggressive style
• 4Nathan Lyon was central to Australia's bowling attack despite a calf injury
• 5Ben Stokes captained England with an attacking mindset throughout the series

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