Three Players Born Outside Australia and England Set to Shine in the Ashes 2023 Series
The highly anticipated Ashes 2023 series is set to kick off this Friday with a Test match at Edgbaston. Known as one of the most historic rivalries in sports, the Ashes brings together Australia and England for a thrilling five-match Test series held every two years. Comment your point of view on Three players born outside Australia and England after reading this article.
While traditionally contested between the two nations, there have been players born outside Australia and England who have left their mark on this prestigious series. Let’s look closer at three players set to feature in the upcoming Test series.
- Ben Stokes – Hailing from New Zealand: England’s captain, Ben Stokes, leads the list. While the rest of the players in the England squad for the first two Tests of the Ashes 2023 series were born in England, Stokes was born in Christchurch, Canterbury, New Zealand. Although his father represented New Zealand in rugby, Stokes developed a passion for cricket. After relocating to the United Kingdom, he joined Durham in county cricket, honing his skills and becoming one of the best cricketers in the world. Stokes is renowned for his match-winning performances, including his unforgettable innings of 135 runs at Headingley during the last Ashes series on home soil.
- Marnus Labuschagne – Originally from South Africa: Marnus Labuschagne has emerged as a critical player in the Australian batting lineup. Born in Klerksdorp, South Africa, Labuschagne made headlines during The Ashes 2019 series when he came in as a concussion substitute for Steve Smith and made vital contributions with the bat. However, his journey in cricket took a different path when his family migrated to Australia when he was just ten years old. He blossomed in Australian domestic cricket and eventually earned a call-up to the national team. Labuschagne’s presence strengthens the Australian batting department in the upcoming series.
- Usman Khawaja – Originating from Pakistan: Usman Khawaja, another accomplished batsman in the Australian squad, was born in Islamabad, Pakistan, on December 18, 1986. His family relocated to Australia during his early years, where Khawaja began his cricketing journey. He made his Ashes debut against England at the Sydney Cricket Ground on January 3, 2011. Khawaja showcased remarkable form in the previous Ashes series hosted by Australia in 2021/22 and will be eager to carry that momentum into the upcoming Test series. The left-handed batter adds depth and experience to the Australian lineup.
While the Ashes series remains a fierce contest between Australia and England, the inclusion of players born outside these two nations adds an exciting twist to the narrative. Ben Stokes, Marnus Labuschagne, and Usman Khawaja, originating from New Zealand, South Africa, and Pakistan