The Ashes is one of the most anticipated Test series which is played between England and Australia. It has a rich history going back over the years now.
It is the sport's most celebrated rivalry and dates back to 1882. It is generally played biennially, alternating between the United Kingdom and Australia. Australia are the current holders of the Ashes, having won the 2021β22 series. The cricket betting sites have Ashes 2023 odds with them.
The Ashes are named after a satirical poem published in the Sporting Times in December 1882, following England's defeat in the previous Test match. Over time, the players have also developed a healthy rivalry between them.
In this article, we have covered the top 5 rivalries which will be seen in the upcoming Ashes 2023 series.
1) James Anderson vs Marnus Labuschagne
The rivalry between James Anderson and Marnus Labuschagne is one of the most intriguing in Test cricket. Anderson is one of the greatest fast bowlers of all time, while Labuschagne is one of the most exciting batsmen in the world. The two have faced off on 12 occasions in Test cricket, with Anderson dismissing Labuschagne on 6 occasions.
However, Labuschagne has also scored heavily against Anderson, averaging 55.83 runs per innings. Their rivalry is a classic example of a battle between experience and youth. They both have an age difference of 11 years but they both are at the top of their game.
2) Stuart Broad vs David Warner
It is a very intense moment when Stuart Broad is facing David Warner in the Ashes. They both are known for their respective talent and experience in Test cricket. The two have faced off on 26 occasions in Test cricket, with Broad dismissing Warner 14 times. However, Warner has also scored heavily against Broad, averaging 45.38 runs per innings.
Broad is known for his aggression and accuracy but on the other hand, David Warner is also known for his aggression and scoring quick runs in the red-ball format. The character of both players makes this rivalry exceptional and extraordinary.
3) Mitchell Starc vs Jonny Bairstow
Starc is one of the world's best fast bowlers, while Bairstow is one of England's most brilliant batsmen. The two have faced off on 17 occasions in Test cricket, with Starc dismissing Bairstow 8 times. However, Bairstow has also scored heavily against Starc, averaging 46.00 runs per innings.
In the past, both have overpowered each other on different occasions. In the 2019 Ashes, Starc dismissed Bairstow for a duck but in the 2021-22 edition, Bairstow scored 136 with 2 sixes and 19 fours. His primary target was Starc during the game.
4) Nathan Lyon vs Ben Stokes
Nathan Lyon and Ben Stokes have been involved in a great rivalry over the years. Lyon is Australia's premier spinner, while Stokes is one of England's most aggressive batsmen. The two have faced off 24 times in Test cricket, with Lyon dismissing Stokes 14 times.
However, Stokes has also scored heavily against Lyon, averaging 44.64 runs per innings. Both players carry a good experience of international cricket and the rivalry between the two is a classic example of Gentlemanβs game. They both carry immense respect for each other while displaying their best against each other.
5) Stuart Broad vs Steven Smith
The rivalry between Stuart Broad and Steven Smith is a classic example of will and skill. Broad is Englandβs ferocious pacer, while Smith is one of Australia's most elegant batsmen. The two have faced off 34 times in Test cricket, with Broad dismissing Smith 11 times.
However, Smith has also scored heavily against Broad, averaging 55.83 runs per innings. They both carry a huge experience of Test cricket and have faced each other on numerous occasions. Broad and Smith are well aware of each otherβs weaknesses and strengths and this makes their rivalry more entertaining.
