The big news ahead of one of the most eagerly anticipated Ashes series in many years, as in-form, attacking England take on World Test Champions Australia, came from the tourists, as they replaced Mitchell Starc with Josh Hazlewood in their bowling attack. Fifteen wins from their previous 17 test matches has home support dreaming of a first Ashes series win since 2015. The England dressing room roared its approval, as England gave a sign that their attacking principles, even in an Ashes series, would remain the same. It was in stark contrast to the first ball of the last Ashes series, when Starc clean bowled England opener Rory Burns, ahead of Australia’s rampant 4-0 success. This time around, the early signs are that England are in much better shape.

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Persons: Zak Crawley, Crawley, Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, Stokes, Eric Hollies, Rory Burns, Peter Hall, Toby Davis Organizations: Australia, Edgbaston, England, Crawley, Cummins, Thomson Locations: BIRMINGHAM, England, Birmingham, Australia