Oldest rivalry in Test kicks off today

BIRMINGHAM, United Kingdom, June 15 (Agencies): England's barnstorming version of Test cricket has shredded the textbook of the sport's longest format but so-called 'Bazball' faces its biggest examination yet as they seek to regain the Ashes against world champions Australia starting on Friday.
Conventional cricketing wisdom has been turned upside down by England coach Brendon 'Baz' McCullum and captain Ben Stokes in a scintillating run of 11 victories from 13 Tests.
Scoring at a head-spinning average of almost five runs an over under McCullum, England's risk-takers have re-imagined the approach to Test cricket and transformed the country's fortunes after a run of only one win from 17 tests previously.
The big question, however, as the opening Test looms at Edgbaston on Friday is whether England will play with the same almost reckless abandon against an Australia side possessing arguably the best pace attack in the world.
England captain Ben Stokes insists there will be no let-up in his side's dynamic 'Bazball' approach during the Ashes series against arch-rivals Australia.
Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum have overseen 11 wins from 13 Tests since they joined forces, with England's ultra-aggressive style dubbed Bazball in reference to former New Zealand captain McCullum's nickname.
All-rounder Stokes, a veteran of several Ashes campaigns, told a pre-match press conference at Edgbaston on Thursday: "Today has been the most relaxed the group has felt. We are really excited to get going, it's been a long time coming."
He added, "What we have done over the last year is show how we want to play. We found a way that we are able to get the best out of the team and also the individuals."
Ashes-holders Australia last week defeated India in the World Test Championship final at The Oval.
But Stokes was adamant that England had no plans to modify their style against Pat Cummins's powerful side during the five-match series, which starts in Birmingham on Friday.
Meanwhile, Australia captain Pat Cummins tipped a "different" David Warner to win his personal duel against Stuart Broad and dominate England's bowlers in the Ashes series.
England's team for the series opener includes seamer Broad, who has dismissed Warner 14 times, the most by a bowler, and seven of them came in 2019 alone when the opener averaged a meagre 9.50.
Warner has managed just one test hundred since January 2020 and intends to quit the format in January next year.
"Davey's, I'm sure, been thinking about Broad a lot over the last four years and if he got another chance how he is going to play against him," Cummins told reporters on Thursday.
"It didn't go Davey's way last time, but we'll see a different Davey this time."
Warner, who has made 8202 runs from 104 Tests averaging 45.31, has vowed to shrug off any tentativeness and bat differently against Broad. Cummins also expected Warner and other Australian batters to go after England's spin all-rounder Moeen Ali, who came out of his test retirement to fill the void created by an injury to their left-arm spinner Jack Leach.
Off-spinner Moeen tends to bleed runs but has been named in England's team and will play his 65th test at his home ground.