(UTV|COLOMBO) – England’s bid to regain the Ashes from Australia begins with the first Test at Edgbaston on Thursday.
The home side won the World Cup just over two weeks ago, but were beaten 4-0 on their tour down under in 2017-18.
England have not lost a home Ashes series since 2001 and have not lost at Edgbaston to any side in 11 years.
They have opted against handing a debut to pace bowler Jofra Archer, instead preferring Chris Woakes on his home ground.
Australia are yet to confirm their team, but batsmen Steve Smith, David Warner and Cameron Bancroft are in line to play Test cricket for the first time since being banned for their part in the ball-tampering scandal on the tour of South Africa in 2018.
The series, the latest start to an Ashes in the UK, will move on to Lord’s, Headingley and Old Trafford before the urn is lifted at The Oval after a fifth Test that begins on 12 September.
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