X-factor England Players In Ashes 2023: It is easily the most anticipated series in recent times. Not once in recent memory has the two teams been so evenly matched as this time around. Australia is the world’s number-one ranked team who added the WTC crown to their cabinet. England on the other hand has revolutionised Test cricket with their Bazball approach.
It is not just a battle between two arch rivals but also a battle between the traditional and the ultra-modern. Australia holds the urn currently. England has to put in the hard yards to snatch back the urn.
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We look at X-factor English players who could play a decisive role in Ashes 2023:
#5 Joe Root
He has been heads and shoulders the number 1 Test batter in the last two years. Joe Root along with Steve Smith has been operating at a different level among the famous Fab Four. He has adapted wonderfully to England’s’ ultra-aggressive approach. Root easily has the most solid technique among all England batters. He will be tasked with the job of course correction if things go south for England. Root remains England’s most important cog in this Ashes too.
#4 Jonny Bairstow
It was Jonny Bairstow who kickstarted England’s bazball revolution. His century-scoring spree started last year in the series against New Zealand. Bairstow at one point in time looked unstoppable. He can get on top of the bowling be it pace or spin.
Bairstow was one of the lone English batters who scored a terrific century down under in the last Ashes series. Australia will be wary of the threat that Bairstow possess. The middle order is England’s biggest strength and Bairstow is their biggest enforcer in the middle order.
#3 Harry Brook
He is touted to be the next big thing in English cricket. Harry Brook has had a brilliant start to his Test career scoring runs for fun in a place like Pakistan. Brook has the fearlessness of youth that could set him free in a series like the Ashes. Walking in at number 5 he might have to face reverse swing with the dukes’ ball.
Brook though will be geared up for the challenge. If he has a series that will be anywhere close to the one against Pakistan then England will be firmly in the driver’s seat.
#2 Stuart Broad
He is ahead of James Anderson in terms of the most wickets taken in the Ashes series. Stuart Broad brings out his best against Australia, especially in England. He has a tremendous record against David Warner. Broad has better numbers against most Aussie batters.
The veteran will be tasked with a big role throughout the series as England’s fixation on deep batting means an increased workload. Stuart Broad though will be itching to have one last crack against his nemesis!
#1 Ben Stokes
A lot of credit has gone to Ben Stokes in reviving England and Test cricket’s fortunes at large. His commitment to entertaining in the game’s longest format has pleased fans worldwide. Stokes’ role will be crucial to England’s chances beyond his all-round skills.
How fit the English captain keeps himself throughout these 5 Tests will determine the winner of this series. It was Stokes who played a pivotal role in England drawing the series last time around in 2019. He could be the one who could push England closer to history!
