ENGLAND-CRICKET

1024x768_joe-root-ashes-hundred-jpg

Masterful Joe Root century lights up high-octane opening day of the Ashes

Joe Root's first Ashes century in eight years provided calm amid the storm as England and Australia traded blows in a high-octane opening day at the first Test.

ben-stokes-and-stuart-broad-pa-jpg

'Incredible' Ashes record secured Stuart Broad's Edgbaston place – Ben Stokes

England captain Ben Stokes pointed to Stuart Broad's "incredible" record against Australia as the chief reason the veteran seamer got the nod over Mark Wood for the first Ashes Test.

ben-stokes-and-stuart-broad-pa-jpg

England prefer Stuart Broad over Mark Wood for opening Ashes Test

England have favoured Stuart Broad's experience over Mark Wood's raw pace for the first Ashes Test at Edgbaston, naming their playing XI two days early in a show of confidence.

1024x768_josh-tongue-five-wicket-haul-jpg

Josh Tongue claims five on Test debut as England beat Ireland by 10 wickets

Debutant Josh Tongue claimed five wickets to help England beat Ireland inside three days at Lord's, but only after a record 163-run partnership between tailenders Mark Adair and Andy McBrine.

Ollie Pope

Ollie Pope hits maiden Test double-ton as England eye early victory over Ireland

England are on the verge of a first victory of the home summer after record-breaking innings by Ollie Pope and Ben Duckett almost saw Ireland defeated inside two days at Lord's.

Ben Stokes

Ben Stokes does not fear for future of Test cricket amid Ashes excitement

England captain Ben Stokes can feel the excitement building ahead of the Ashes and is in no doubt over the long-term future of Test cricket.