Ashes 2023: England scored 124 for three at lunch in the opening Test
Birmingham. England opted to bat cautiously rather than go all out in the first session against Australia in the Ashes series opener, reaching 124 for three at the lunch break here on Friday. England did not take a very aggressive approach during this period and insisted on running and stealing runs with 12 fours in the session.
Going into lunch on a batsmen-friendly pitch at Edgbaston, however, Australia had a slight edge as Scott Boland removed Jack Crawley (61) off the last ball of the session. At this time Joe Root was present at the crease after scoring 20 runs. England won the toss and elected to bat on an easy pitch but Josh Hazlewood, returning from injury, had opener Ben Duckett caught by wicketkeeper Alex Carey in the fourth over of the innings. Crowley, who hit a four off Australia captain Pat Cummins on the first ball of the match, completed his half-century in 56 balls.
During this, he made England return to the match by sharing a 70-run partnership for the second wicket with Ollie Pope (31). England vice-captain Pope was lbw by veteran spinner Nathan Lyon. England completed their century in the 21st over with Crowley’s four against Cummins. England won the toss and elected to bat on a batting-friendly pitch at Edgbaston. Moeen Ali will return from Test retirement to play his first Test in almost two years. Australia has chosen Hazlewood in place of Mitchell Starc. He is leading the pace attack with Cummins and Boland. Australia haven’t won an Ashes series in England since 2001 but recently beat India to become world Test champions.
