England vs Australia LIVE: Start time, team news and how to follow first Test

England set up a thrilling opening Test at Edgbaston after winning the toss, smashing 393 and declaring before the end of day one.

Joe Root was the star for England as he scored his 30th Test century on a day that started with Zak Crawley lashing the opening ball of The Ashes to the boundary.

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He was one of three players to make at least 50 as England’s players attempted to score quickly.

The hosts were in a spot of trouble at 176-5 after captain Ben Stokes was caught edging behind to Alex Carey just moments after Harry Brook lost his wicket in bizarre circumstances.

But Root and fellow Yorkshireman Jonny Bairstow solidified the innings before the returning wicket-keeper was stumped off Nathan Lyon’s bowling after scoring a rapid 78.

Root passed his century in the company of Ollie Robinson before Stokes called his men back in to have a go at Australia.

The Aussie opening pair of David Warner and Usman Khawaja survived and resume day two on 14-0, with the match finely poised.

England vs Australia first Test: Date and start time

The First Ashes Test will start on Friday, June 16 and is scheduled to run until Tuesday, June 20.

It is being held at Edgbaston in Birmingham.

Play is due to start at 11am each day.

England vs Australia first Test: Live stream and TV channel

The action will be broadcast on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Cricket from 10am.

The game will also be available on NOW TV through a day pass for £11.99 or a £9.99 monthly subscription, while Sky Go customers can watch the action on their laptop or mobile device.

talkSPORT will also have regular updates and reaction throughout the Test.

To tune in to talkSPORT or talkSPORT 2 through the website, click HERE for the live stream.

You can also listen via the talkSPORT app, on DAB digital radio, through your smart speaker and on 1089 or 1053 AM.

talkSPORT.com will also keep you covered for all the best stories from Edgbaston.

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England vs Australia: Team news

England

• Ben Duckett
• Zak Crawley
• Ollie Pope
• Joe Root
• Harry Brook
• Ben Stokes (c)
• Jonny Bairstow (wk)
• Moeen Ali
• Stuart Broad
• Ollie Robinson
• James Anderson

Australia

• David Warner
• Usman Khawaja
• Marnus Labuschagne
• Steven Smith
• Travis Head
• Cameron Green
• Alex Carey (wk)
• Pat Cummins (c)
• Nathan Lyon
• Josh Hazlewood
• Scott Boland

Toss: England won the toss and decided to bat

Officials: Marais Erasmus, Ahsan Raza, Chris Gaffaney, Andy Pycroft, Mike Burns

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England vs Australia: What has been said?

England wicket-keeper Bairstow has praised Stokes for his ambitious decision to declare before the end of day one.

Speaking to Sky Sports, he said: “I’m sure there’s many decisions Ben has made that have taken commentators and other people by surprise, but it was a surprise to us.

“We didn’t know anything about it, it was a scramble to get the tape on, the pads on and all the rest. But when it’s something that’s not expected, it can be the best form of attack.

“Having played the game for as long as we have, we’re aware a 20-minute slot for an opening pair is something that’s not very nice. It can be a bit niggly.

“It’s a bit of a shot to nothing – there might be an unbelievable ball in there, or a loose shot in there.

“We’ll come back with a ball that’s four overs old, a fresh bowling attack and team that is really looking forward to the challenge.”

2023 Ashes series: Betting with talkSPORT BET

Ashes Odds

To win the series:

England – 5/4

Draw – 6/1

Australia – 11/10