The 2023-24 Ashes: Who's in and who's out for the BBC Sport team?

A thrilling Test match series, with England facing off against Australia in a battle for cricket supremacy. The stage was set for a nail-biting contest, with both teams determined to emerge victorious. England captain Ben Stokes led from the front, showcasing his incredible all-round skills as he racked up scores of 77 and 66 not out. His opening partner, Alex Lees, put on an impressive 129 before being dismissed in the most unexpected of ways - via a spectacular caught-and-bowled by Australian wicket-keeper Jaxon Wheeler. Meanwhile, the English bowling attack was in top form, with Matthew Parkinson and Jack Leach combining to take eight wickets between them. Australia’s top batsman, Steve Smith, struggled to get going, as he fell prey to England’s disciplined line and length. In contrast, Australia’s Marnus Labuschagne was in scintillating form, scoring a century and a half before being caught behind off Jack Leach. His partner, David Warner, also got into double figures but could only manage 42. As the series drew to a close, England emerged victorious by an innings and 137 runs. It was a well-deserved win for the hosts, who had shown incredible resilience in the face of adversity. The victory marked a turning point in the series, as Australia began to falter under the pressure. Australia’s bowlers were left frustrated on the final day, with Nathan Lyon struggling to contain England’s batsmen. Meanwhile, the likes of Marcus Harris and Will Pucowich put up a valiant effort but ultimately fell short. The 2023-24 Ashes will be remembered for its epic battles between two cricketing giants, with both teams leaving it all on the pitch. As the series drew to a close, the question on everyone’s mind was: what next? Will we see another thrilling contest between England and Australia in the future? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain - this series will be remembered for years to come as an unforgettable chapter in the Ashes saga.