Ashes LIVE: Ben Stokes strikes as England pile pressure on the Aussies
Express Sport delivers the latest updates from Australia as the eagerly awaited first Ashes test unfolds. As the competition intensifies, England’s Ben Stokes has made significant contributions, generating pressure on the Australian side.
The test commenced today at the iconic Gabba in Brisbane. England, under the leadership of Captain Joe Root, faced a formidable Australian bowling attack. Stokes has stood out in the early exchanges, showcasing his skills and determination on the field. His performance comes amid broader expectations of England needing to compete at a high level against a historically strong Australian team.
Former England captain Michael Vaughan commented on the dynamics of the match, stating, “Starc is bowling beautifully. It's just gone across Joe Root, there was a bit of nip. England's best player has to go.” This highlights the mounting challenges posed by the Australian bowlers as the match progresses.
Previously, there were expectations that England could struggle against Australia. Concerns were raised regarding England's chances, with predictions suggesting that they might not measure up against their rivals. An analysis pointed out that there was a substantial advantage for Australia based on betting patterns; “Our Ashes ante-post book which has been open since the Oval in 2023, shows the hosts maintaining their dominance at home with 88% of stakes being placed on Australia to win the series outright compared to just 10% on England,” according to Freeth.
These insights underscore the high stakes involved in this Ashes series, with England determined to defy the odds and challenge Australia's supremacy in cricket.