First Ashes Test: Australia riding high after thrilling win in series opener
The IndependentSign up to our free sport newsletter for all the latest news on everything from cycling to boxing Sign up to our free sport email for all the latest news Sign up to our free sport email for all the latest news SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Australia drew first blood in the 2023 Ashes as Pat Cummins led his side to a heart-pounding victory over England at Edgbaston. Half-chances add to England’s missed opportunities Wicketkeeper Jonny Bairstow faced criticism for his glovework earlier in the match, with four possible chances getting past him. Australia’s best ever Ashes chases 404/3 - Headingley, 1948 315/6 - Adelaide, 1902 287/5 - Melbourne, 1929 282/8 - Edgbaston, 2023 276/4 - Sydney, 1898 Big number View from the dressing room Losing sucks. Attention moves quickly from West Midlands to East Midlands, with the one-off Test between Heather Knight’s England and Alyssa Healy’s Australia starting in Nottingham on Thursday.