Ashes First Test Preview: Why Stokes, Root & Crawley Are All Set for Runs

The opening Test of an Ashes series is always loaded with pressure, momentum swings and big individual statements and England’s top order looks perfectly placed to start strong. With conditions expected to be true early in the match and England sticking to their aggressive batting identity, there is real value in backing Ben Stokes, Joe Root and Zak Crawley to all score 30+ runs in the first innings. Boosted to 2/1 with BrotherBets.

Why we love the boost:

Zak Crawley – Early Intent & Form Against Australia

Crawley has become the tone-setter for this England team. His method high-tempo scoring, positive footwork and willingness to drive consistently puts bowlers under pressure early. Recent Ashes series have shown that Australia’s quicks often pitch the ball up to Crawley searching for movement, but that also feeds his strengths through the V.

Why Crawley 30+ looks strong:

• He regularly passes 30, especially in opening Tests.

• Australia’s new-ball bowlers tend to offer scoring opportunities early with fuller lengths.

• England’s approach encourages him to play freely rather than survive — perfect for getting past 30 quickly.

Joe Root – England’s Most Reliable Run Machine

Root’s Ashes numbers speak for themselves: he is England’s most consistent performer against Australia in the last decade. Whether it's spin, seam or reverse swing, Root’s technique and temperament make him the safest pick for contribution in the first innings.

Why Root reaching 30+ is highly likely:

• His record vs Australia is elite, averaging solid mid-40s across formats and conditions.

• He handles Australia’s short-ball tactics better than anyone in the side.

• Root rarely fails twice in a Test — and he’s especially strong in the series opener when pitches are truest.

Root is the glue of the innings, and 30+ is comfortably within his usual scoring pattern.

Ben Stokes – Big Moments, Big Scores

If there’s one player who rises to the Ashes occasion, it’s the captain. Stokes thrives in pressure situations and often plays his most disciplined innings early in a series before expanding into counter-attacking gear. Australia also tend to target him with shorter bowling spells, which Stokes handles superbly thanks to his strength, balance and pull-shot control.

Why Stokes should clear 30:

• He’s consistently played stabilising roles at No. 5 or No. 6 in first innings.

• Australia’s attack often goes short to him, leading to boundary opportunities.

• Stokes’ temperament early in a series means he’s more likely to “get in” and build a platform.

With England’s aggressive approach, Stokes typically finds himself batting with momentum already in the innings — exactly the situation where he thrives.

Conclusion: A Boost Backed by Real Cricket Logic

With Crawley setting the tempo, Root providing reliability and Stokes offering middle-order resilience, the trio complement each other perfectly. All three consistently reach the 30-run mark, and the expected pitch conditions plus England’s attacking philosophy make this boosted market a strong, well-reasoned play for the 1st Test.

If England are to start the Ashes with intent, it’s these three who will lead the way — and 30+ each in the first innings is well within reach.

Back all three to score 30 or more runs in the 1st innings with BrotherBets here

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