Ashes team news: All you need to know about England and Australia stars ahead of opener
THE ASHES gets underway on Thursday afternoon - and Express Sport is on hand to bring you everything you need to know about the England and Australia players.
Joe Root has urged his England team-mates to build on their World Cup win and lift the Ashes this summer.
“I have dreamt about this from being a little boy and obviously it has suddenly become more real now I have that opportunity,” he said.
“It’s huge because cricket in this country is probably at an all-time high, it's got interest it probably hasn't had for a long time.
“We have got an opportunity as a team to make this summer a very memorable and that’s exciting, to be involved and have that carrot in front of us is a great motivator for the whole squad.”
And Express Sport is on hand to bring you all you need to know about the players on show in the Ashes.
ENGLAND
BURNS
Unorthodox left hand technique and out of sorts since 84 in Barbados in January. Needs a strong start to campaign here in Birmingham
7 tests, bat 22.28
ROY
If he stays in for a session he can put Australia on the back foot and while a qualified success against Ireland it remains a gamble whether he can transfer white ball prowess.
1 Test 38.50
ROOT
Class act looked fatigued after World Cup and much rests on his shoulders. Moved to three from four against his better judgement.
81 Tests, 49.03 bat, 49.30 ball
DENLY
Missed out on World Cup squad but gets chance here after knocking himself into form in County Championship. Big test on known form.
3 Tests, 24.16 bat
BUTTLER
White ball ace batting high enough in the order given uncertainty about top order. Class act and handles pressure supremely well though.
31 Tests 35.87 bat
Ashes 2019: Preview for England vs Australia series
STOKES
All round star and heartbeat of the side. England will be hoping he is not worn out after World Cup heroics but dangerous to underestimate.
52 Tests, 33.89 bat 31.92 ball
BAIRSTOW
Superb World Cup with bat but looked a little out of sorts bagging pair against Ireland. Likely to bounce back on a bigger stage.
64 Tests, 36.24 bat
MOEEN
Bit part player in World Cup and not been in the best form but could well bounce back in longer format. England need him to bowl well.
59 Tests; 29.55 bat; 36.24 ball
WOAKES
Fired back to form with 6-17 against Ireland following decent World Cup campaign. Could offer plenty up front if given new ball and adds muscle lower down batting order
27 Tests, 29.28 bat, 31.06 ball
BROAD
Veteran fast bowler blows hot and cold but Ashes tend to bring about the former. Needs big statement here to keep out younger brigade.
127 Tests; 19.30 bat, 28.77 ball
ANDERSON
England’s leading wicket taker (575 wickets) has been battling a calf strain but if he stays upright quality performer still provides cutting edge in attack.
148 Tests, 9.70 bat, 26.93 ball
AUSTRALIA
BANCROFT
His first Test action since a nine month ban for his part in ball tampering scandal, has warmed up nicely with runs as captain at Durham.
Tests 8 Ave 30.92
WARNER
Looks good for 400 plus runs for a fourth Ashes running after finishing one run off top of World Cup batting charts and will relish the boos.
74 Tests, 48.20
KHAWAJA
Struggled with hamstring issues during World Cup but perhaps better suited to slower pace of red ball cricket.
41 Tests 42.53
SMITH
Undoubted class act has been leading runs scorer in last two Ashes. Has point to prove after losing captaincy in wake of ball tampering and will want to do it here.
64 Tests 61.37
HEAD
Unknown quantity at this level but has made impressive start to his short Test career and has good form from limited ODIs here. Could come off.
8 Tests 51.00
WADE
Reinvented as specialist batsman after path blocked by Tim Paine, gritty and determined former cancer survivor will not give his wicket easily.
22 Tests 28.58
PAINE
Might normally struggle to justify his position in the side but was seen as safe hands after sandpaper scandal. Been out of nick with the bat this year.
21 Tests 35.14
CUMMINS
Back fit and firing after nightmare injury run, classy two dimensional talent will cause problems with the new ball and provide lower order muscle.
20 Tests bat 20.30 ball 26.15
PATTINSON
Been plying his trade with Nottinghamshire, fiery and fast competitor has come back from bad back injury and lines up in first Test in three years
17 Tests 27.66 bat, 26.15 ball
HAZLEWOOD
Took 16 wickets here last time and 21 down under in 2016-17, not express but accurate and could prove Aussie’s No 1 threat.
44 Tests, 12.51 bat, 27.14 ball
LYON
Canny and experienced spinner not a huge wicket taking threat but will offer control to Paine as he rotates fast bowlers. Dynamite in the field.
86 Tests 14.21 bat, 30.28 ball