Five players who could dictate the proceedings in Ashes 2019
The first Test of the Ashes 2019 is all set to start from Thursday, August 1 at Edgbaston in Birmingham. One expects a tough battle in the first Test of an epic five-match Test series. The series could be governed by small margins. Several players are out to stomp their authority and dictate the proceedings from the word go. Here we decode these players.
Steve Smith's presence a huge lift for Aussies
Steve Smith made his return to the Australian team in the 2019 World Cup, after a 12-month ban for a ball-tampering scandal. He looked in decent touch in the ODIs. However, Smith's favorite format is the red-ball cricket. He was Australia's hero in the 2017-18 Ashes at home. Smith had amassed 687 runs at an average of 137.40. Australian batting will rally around him.
James Anderson out to write a new chapter
England veteran pacer James Anderson has been in the picture for a long time. He is Test cricket's most successful pacer and the onus will be on him to guide the bowling unit. Anderson has 104 Ashes wickets and was England's most successful bowler in the 2017-18 Ashes series. The 37-year-old is a real deal and will want to make his presence felt.
Joe Root will need to shoulder England's charge
England Test captain Joe Root will need to shoulder the side's batting unit. He has grown from strength to strength and after a successful World Cup campaign, he will be keen to show his mettle in Tests. It will be difficult against a quality Aussie attack, but Root has the credentials. Further, he will have to transform the fifties into big hundreds this time.
Cummins could unsettle England
World's number one ranked Test bowler Pat Cummins has what it takes to make a serious impact. He has been Australia's most consistent performer in recent times. Cummins will lead the much fancied Aussie attack that is set to be without the services of Mitchell Starc for the Edgbaston Test as per reports. Cummins can become the root cause of England's worries.
Warner can provide the stability upfront
David Warner continues to hold a special place atop for the Aussies. His experience will be immense. Warner has been in solid form since his return from a 12-month ban. Negotiating an experienced England bowling will be key for the southpaw.
