Story of the 2023 Ashes Test at Edgbaston

Edgbaston Stadium played host to the First Test of the 2023 Ashes Series, and it produced a classic in front of a capacity crowd.

2026-09-24T11:30+01:00

Ashes cricket returns to Edgbaston next year for the 3rd Rothesay Men’s Ashes Test and the 3rd Metro Bank Women's Ashes ODI. You can still enter the Ballot to secure your seats.

This is the story of the 2023 Ashes Test, as England and Australia went head-to-head…

First innings

Much like every Ashes Series, the build-up provided plenty of entertainment, with England’s ‘Bazball’ approach set to be tested like never before. But Brendan McCullum and Ben Stokes were unhinged in their mantra, and Zak Crawley set the tone from the very first ball.

Australia’s captain, Pat Cummins, charging in. Crawley with a sumptuous drive to the cover boundary. The Hollies rocking and a smile on the face of Stokes. From that point, England and Australia would trade blows throughout the series.

Crawley struck 61 in the first innings, but it was Joe Root with an unbeaten 118 that made the most telling of contributions. Jonny Bairstow added a run-a-ball 78, before Stokes made the decision to declare with his side on 393, eight wickets down.

In their reply, despite losing David Warner (9) and Marnus Labuschagne (0) in consecutive balls, the brilliance of Usman Khawaja anchored the innings. The stylish left-hander made 141 in an innings that lasted almost eight hours. Travis Head (50) and Alex Carey (66) added half centuries to the total, with Australia bowled out for 386, seven behind on first innings.

Second innings

Looking to post a match-winning total in the second innings with the game firmly in the balance, England’s middle order all got starts, but importantly were unable to capitalise. Root made 46 before he was stumped off the bowling of Nathan Lyon, and Harry Brook also fell to Lyon for 46. Stokes (43) was another to look set before being trapped LBW to Cummins in the 40s.

Lyon and Cummins took four wickets apiece, as England were bowled out for 273, leaving Australia needing 281 to win.

Australia got their chase off to the perfect start thanks to a well-constructed 65 from Khawaja, and 36 from Warner as they reached 61 before Warner departed. Stuart Broad then took the wickets of Labuschagne (13), Steve Smith (6) and night watchman Scott Boland (20), as Australia slipped to 121 for four.

Travis Head (16) and Cameron Green (28) were both dismissed having made starts, and when Khawaja did fall, Australia were 209 for seven. Alex Carey was caught and bowled by Root soon after, with Australia eight down and still requiring 54 to win.

In an enthralling finish, England threw everything at Cummins and Lyon, but they stood firm, with Cummins ending the match 44 not out and Lyon 16 unbeaten to seal Australia a two-wicket win and a 1-0 lead in the series.