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The oldest and most prestigious rivalry of Test Cricket is set to take place at the Gabba starting this Wednesday, where India humbled Australia to clinch a series down under.

It all started in 1882 when England was defeated in England at Oval in a series consisting of one Test. England lost by 8 runs chasing a target of 85. The architect was Fred Spofforth, who took 4 wickets conceding 2 runs, and carved an improbable win.

Since then 71 series have been played, Australia winning 33, England winning 32 and 6 series have been drawn. Overall they have played 351 Tests, Australia has won 146 while the English side has managed 110.

In Australia, England has been performing extremely poorly in recent times, and in their last two campaigns, they have lost 9 Tests and their best effort has been a draw.

In 2019, Steve Smith heroics saved  Australia and Ben Stokes Memorable knock leveled the series 2-2, but Ashes was retained by Australia, kudos to their 4-0 thrashing in the very previous edition.

Match timings

Match Toss Time: 05:00 IST (23:30 GMT)

Match Start Time: 05:30 Local (00:00 GMT)

Venue and conditions

Brisbane has witnessed heavy rains, around 255mm in last week so the pitch is green but soft so pacers are going to rule the proceedings. In the last Sheffield Shield match held at this venue, Queensland were bundled out for 129, this showcases what might happen tomorrow morning.

So pitch will offer seam movement and swing for the first two days and then it will pick up bounce.

Team

Australia Squad

The Aussies have already announced their playing which will be headed by the pacer Pat Cummins with Steve Smith being appointed as his deputy.

David Warner and Marnus Harris to open. Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Travis Head, and Cameron Green as batters. The withdrawal of Tim Paine means that Alex Carrey will take up the responsibility behind the stumps. Pat Cummins, Josh Hazelwood, Starc, and Nathan Lyon to do the bowling.

They also have Cameron Green, Head, and Marnus as all-rounders to take the load.

Playing Xl

Australia (AUS): David Warner, Marcus Harris, Steve Smith, Marnus Labuschagne, Travis Head, Cameron Green, Alex Carey, Pat Cummins (C), Nathan Lyon, Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood

England

This series will mark the return of star all-rounder Ben Stokes. A bit of a headache in choosing the openers but we expect Zak Crawley and Haseeb to open. 

Zak Crawley and Haseeb to open. David Malan, Root, and Ollie pope as batters. Jos Butler a wicketkeeper. Ollie Robinson, Chris Woakes, Ben Stokes, and Jack Leach/Stuart Board to shoulder the bowling.

England (ENG): Rory Burns, Zak Crawley, Dawid Malan, Joe Root, Ollie Pope, Ben Stokes, Jos Buttler, Chris Woakes, Ollie Robinson, Chris Woakes, Stuart Broad/ Jack Leach

Advantage Australia

As Gabba is known for movement, the Australian trio of Cummins, Hazelwood, and Starc will induce edges at will. In recent times England has done well owing to the excellent performance by Joe Root but he has an issue with the rising ball and his good run will be over. 

Similarly, The batting line of England is too inexperienced for Australian pitches and scoring will be difficult.

On the other hand, England has swing bowlers, In Australia as we know the ball swings for 20 overs only, and if that period is passed then only bounce can induce catches. England is lacking in this department.

Toss

Whoever will win toss would like to bowl to exploit moisture and green top. We are likely to witness wickets fall in a cluster, which is usually the trend in Gabba.

Verdict

We predict that Australia to come out the victor. If Australia bats first they will pile up 300+. For England scoring 300 will be difficult and they will concede a lead in the first innings. Australia will declare in the second innings to give a target of 350+ and England are likely to end up well short. 

If England bats first they will be out for less than 250. Australia will score around 400 if batting second and they will be able to chase the target in the fourth innings.

So enjoy the match and cherish the moments of extraordinary cricket.

Disclaimer 

The views and opinions expressed in the article are those of the author's view and do not necessarily reflect the official match scores, proceedings, or position of the match in any way.