Picture Credit: Twitter
In an unprecedented decision for the first time in 139 years of the Ashes, next summer’s tournament will not be played in August. The decision is made to allow English players to play the domestic Hundred tournament.
A report in the British media on Friday addressed that the 2023 Ashes are set to be postponed and will not feature a Test in August, adding that, “such scheduling will further antagonize traditional supporters of the game, who are worried about its future amid a glut of Twenty20 leagues springing up around the globe,” this will free up time more top players for the Hundred tournament.
The Aussies dominated England 4-0 in the 2021/22 Ashes series in Australia. After that, the English team lost 1-0 in a Test series against the West Indies which led to then-England captain Joe Root stepping down from his leadership role.
Hence, the upcoming Ashes series will see new England captain Ben Stokes with new coach Brendon McCullum who will lead the side for the first time against their fiercest global cricketing rivals.
The report added that moving the Ashes could become a “regular occurrence under the next Future Tours Programme (FTP), which runs from 2024, with a Hundred window each year".
Talking about the ongoing Hundred, Oval Invincibles registered a famous win over Northern Superchargers as they chased down 158 with three balls to spare. The protagonist of this win was Sam Curran who picked up one wicket and scored 22 in 19 balls with one six and one four to seal the victory for the Invincibles.
Reacting to his player of the match performance, Sam Curran said, “Amazing game. The Hundred always needed that game, we have played two games here and it's been amazing. Those are the kind of games that give you confidence.”