The 2023 Edgbaston Ashes Test is following 2005 spookily closely

The first Test of the 2023 Ashes is heading towards a thrilling finish, with Australia needing 174 runs to take a 1-0 lead at Edgbaston, the venue of the historic 2005 Test match between the two countries.

Australia have been set a target of 281 to win the first Test against England, one fewer than the total they had to chase in the epic clash 18 years ago. England won the thriller, rated as one of the greatest Tests ever played, by two runs, and home fans will take hope from the parallels between the two games as Australia walk out to bat on day five tomorrow, needing a further 174 to win. The visitors needed 107 runs on the fourth day to win the second Test in 2005.

Batting first on both occasions, England set the tone with an aggressive batting display on day one, taking the attack to Australia as they embarked on a new style of play. The hosts managed

Full Story »