The Ashes 2019: England vs. Australia squads, team news, predictions, results, fixtures, TV, betting odds

Ashes second Test: England vs. Australia

• When: 14-18 August 
• Where: Lord’s, London 
• Start time: 11am (daily) 
• TV coverage: live on Sky Sports, highlights on Channel 5 
• Radio coverage: BBC Sport
• Australia lead the series 1-0

England’s Ashes chances have suffered a double blow with bowlers Jimmy Anderson and Olly Stone both ruled out of the second Test at Lord’s starting on 14 August. 

After losing to Australia at Edgbaston England will head to Lord’s hoping to level the five-match series.

Anderson will miss the second Test because of a calf injury while Stone is out of the second and third Tests after injuring his left lower back. 

‘I have not given up’

Anderson, 37, has not given up playing a part in the series against the Aussies. He told The Sun: “The thought of more time away from the game is driving me nuts. I haven’t thought about giving up. My body feels great everywhere else, I’m as fit as I’ve ever been. 

“It’s hard to say when I might play again but it won’t be for a while. My focus now is to get better and try everything possible to play a role later in the series. 

“I’m sure there will come a point where other bowlers either get injured or need a rest. I certainly have no intention of giving up. If I don’t play against Australia, then the winter tours to New Zealand and South Africa are the next target.”

Archer to make Test debut?

With Anderson and Stone out of the Lord’s clash and Mark Wood missing the entire series, Sky Sports reports that the door has opened for Sam Curran or Jofra Archer to come into the side.

After playing with a side strain during the World Cup, Archer made his return by taking 6-27 for the Sussex second XI against Gloucestershire. He also hit a century with the bat. 

The BBC says 24-year-old Archer now looks primed to replace Anderson after proving his fitness. If selected Archer will make his Test debut.

Quick headache for Langer 

Australia head coach Justin Langer will have a selection headache for the Lord’s Test, cricket.com.au reports.

With five world-class quick bowlers and only three available spots the Aussie selectors have some tough decisions to make. 

James Pattinson, Peter Siddle and Pat Cummins played in the Edgbaston win but Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood will be pushing for inclusion at Lord’s. 

Ashes squads

England Ashes squad

• Joe Root (captain), Ben Stokes (vice-captain), Moeen Ali, Jofra Archer, Jonny Bairstow (wicketkeeper), Stuart Broad, Rory Burns, Jos Buttler, Sam Curran, Joe Denly, Jason Roy, Chris Woakes
• Injuries: James Anderson (out of second Test); Olly Stone (out of the second and third Tests)

Australia Ashes squad

• Tim Paine (captain), Cameron Bancroft, Patrick Cummins, Marcus Harris, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Mitchell Marsh, Michael Neser, James Pattinson, Peter Siddle, Steven Smith, Mitchell Starc, Matthew Wade, David Warner

Ashes fixtures

• 1st Test, Edgbaston: Australia won by 251 runs
• 14-18 August: 2nd Test (Lord’s, London)  
• 22-26 August: 3rd Test (Headingley, Leeds)  
• 4-8 September: 4th Test (Old Trafford, Manchester)  
• 12-16 September: 5th Test (The Oval, London) 
• All matches will begin daily at 11am (BST) 

TV and radio coverage

The 2019 Ashes series will be shown live on Sky Sports, with coverage beginning each day at 10am. Highlights will be on Channel 5 starting at 7pm.

BBC Sport will provide ball-by-ball Test Match Special commentary on BBC Radio 5 Live Sports Extra and the BBC Sport website.

Betting odds

Prices according to Oddschecker. 

Series winner

• Australia: 4/6
• England: 11/4 
• Draw: 13/2

Series correct score

• Australia 3-2: 5/1 
• Australia 3-1: 6/1 
• England 3-2: 13/2
• Draw 2-2: 13/2 
• Australia 4-1: 7/1
• England 3-1: 16/1
• Australia 5-0: 16/1
• Australia 4-0: 16/1
• England 4-1: 18/1 
• Australia 2-1: 22/1 
• Australia 3-0: 33/1 
• See the full price list at oddschecker.com 

Ashes predictions

Michael Vaughan, former England captain, BBC

“I can’t see there being any draws in the five Tests, especially with the pitches we’re expecting and the use of the 2018 Dukes ball. I’m going 3-2 either way. At this stage, I’ve no idea which way it will go. It could be as simple as whoever gets most runs between England’s Joe Root and Australia’s Steve Smith will deliver their team the Ashes.” 

Glenn McGrath, former Australia fast bowler, BBC

“I’ve always found it hard to say that the team that I back will draw, let alone lose a Test. Both teams have strength in the bowling, so whichever batsmen put their hands up will be the side that wins the Ashes. I’m always confident in Australia and I’ll say that they will win, but I’m not sure on the scoreline.”

Jonathan Agnew, BBC cricket correspondent

“Unless there is bad weather around, I don’t see any draws. The pitches will largely suit the bowlers and the batting on both sides is very fragile. Therefore, the question is which team can be the most consistent with the bat? It will be 3-2 to someone and, perhaps based on nothing but patriotism, I shall say England will win the Ashes.” 

Alison Mitchell, BBC Test Match Special commentator 

“It’s going to be an up and down series. Neither side has an established and stable top order, though the return of Smith and Warner certainly makes Australia much stronger than they were in their last home summer, when they struggled against India. England have match-winners, but they have been relying on their middle order for runs – that might not be enough. It will be 2-2, with one weather-affected draw, meaning Australia retain the Ashes.”

Geoff Lemon, Australian writer and broadcaster

“We can look forward to one of the classic Ashes series – two ropey batting teams and two very good bowling attacks. They will bowl each other out relatively cheaply, so expect carnage with the ball and the odd standout performance with the bat. Jos Buttler will do some special things with the bat and James Pattinson will win Australia a Test with the ball. It will come down to the last Test and will be drawn 2-2.”

Louis Sealey, Metro

“Two evenly-matched teams, with gun bowling attacks and fragile batting line-ups, will battle it out for the Ashes. Genuine quality and significant flaws are evident in equal measure. But recent history suggests Australia face an uphill task to retain the urn, even against an England team who appeared drained and weary in their first outing following the World Cup. That is undoubtedly a concern but if England can find the energy to produce their best form they will have every chance of beating Australia and winning back the Ashes. But don’t expect it to be straightforward. Prediction: England 3-2 Australia.”

The Daily Telegraph

“England will have only played Ireland in a Test since they finished touring the West Indies when the Ashes arrives, so could be undercooked. England should be favourites on home soil, particularly if Jofra Archer features, but only narrowly.”

Betfair

“Splitting stakes on a 3-2 scoreline to both seems to fit the bill. But if that’s not your bag then Australia are the bet. You don’t have to believe they’re better than England. Just that they can match them; insecurity for insecurity, foible for foible.”