The long-awaited Ashes series is finally set to begin, with the historic First Test kicking off at Perth's Optus Stadium this Friday. Australian fans are buzzing with anticipation as Steve Smith and Ben Stokes prepare to lead their teams in the ultimate cricketing rivalry.
Everything You Need to Know: Start Times and Viewing Details
The first ball is scheduled for 10:20am AWST on Friday, following the team toss at 9:50am. Each day's play is slated to conclude at 5:20pm, but officials can extend the session by thirty minutes to ensure a full 90 overs are bowled, potentially pushing the finish to 5:50pm.
For those watching from home, the Seven Network will broadcast the entire series live and free. Their coverage begins at 9am on Friday, featuring expert analysis from legends like Ricky Ponting and Stuart Broad.
If you're hoping to witness the action live, the opening day is effectively a sell-out, with a massive crowd of over 56,000 spectators expected. However, keen fans should keep a close eye on Ticketmaster for any last-minute re-sale tickets that may become available.
Confirmed Teams and Key Players to Watch
The Australian XI has been confirmed, featuring two fresh faces. Jake Weatherald will open the batting alongside Usman Khawaja, while Brendan Doggett joins the formidable bowling attack led by Mitchell Starc. The full squad is: Usman Khawaja, Jake Weatherald, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Travis Head, Cameron Green, Alex Carey, Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Scott Boland, and Brendan Doggett.
England, opting for a different strategy, has named a 12-man squad. Their likely top order includes Ben Duckett, Zak Crawley, and the experienced duo of Joe Root and Ben Stokes. The visitors are expected to field a powerful pace quartet of Jofra Archer, Mark Wood, Gus Atkinson, and Brydon Carse, with spinner Shoaib Bashir also in contention for a spot.
Weekend Weather and Match Coverage
Cricket fans can expect perfect conditions for the start of the match, with a sunny Friday forecast and a top of 28 degrees Celsius. The weekend, however, could see some interruptions, with showers possible on both Saturday and Sunday. The weather is expected to remain mild if the match stretches into a fifth day on Tuesday.
For the most comprehensive live coverage, TheWest.com.au will be running a live blog from 8am on Friday. The coverage will include real-time updates, expert opinion from Mitchell Johnson and Justin Langer, and a daily Hits & Misses summary, ensuring you don't miss a moment of the action.
