{"id":3181,"date":"2019-07-29T16:09:28","date_gmt":"2019-07-29T16:09:28","guid":{"rendered":"\/news\/?p=3181"},"modified":"2021-09-07T15:05:59","modified_gmt":"2021-09-07T15:05:59","slug":"edgbaston-forecast-sunshine-for-first-ashes-test","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.holiday-weather.com\/news\/edgbaston-forecast-sunshine-for-first-ashes-test\/","title":{"rendered":"Edgbaston forecast is sunshine for first Ashes test"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

All eyes on Edgbaston weather for Ashes opener <\/strong>
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At Edgbaston Cricket Ground<\/strong>, Friday’s current Birmingham weather prediction is for mainly dry weather with intermittent cloud cover – with no rain forecast. <\/strong>The average daily temperature should be 22\u00b0C<\/strong> (71.6F)<\/strong>, while the England batsmen will be hoping the sun shines, creating good conditions for batting and hard work for the fielders. There is still a slight chance of showers as the match progresses.    <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Sunshine
DAY ONE<\/strong> – Close of play, first inns: Australia 284 (80.4 overs)<\/strong>; England 10-0 (two overs)<\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"Cloud
DAY TWO – Tea, first inns: England 170-2 (56 overs)<\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"Slightly
DAY THREE<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"Long<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"Dry<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

     
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All set for cricket’s greatest rivalry<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

One of sport\u2019s greatest events – the Ashes between England and Australia<\/strong> – is underway.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The last time Australia played at Edgbaston in an Ashes test match was in 2015<\/a>, and they suffered a humiliating eight-wicket defeat after being bowled out for 136 in their first innings. England bowling legend James Anderson<\/strong> took 6-47. But unfortunately a calf injury has ruled him out of the rest of the first test, after bowling just four overs. A big shame for England, as the Birmingham weather forecast would have helped his swing bowling. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Edgbaston forecast and the toss: Bat or bowl?<\/strong>
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If a captain wins the toss, most experts believe they should bat first<\/strong>. As a test match goes on, by the last two days a pitch has deteriorated and become worn away. This makes it more difficult to bat as the bowling becomes more unpredictable<\/strong>. So, if you get a big score on the board first up, you can put more pressure on the opposition. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, the first morning of a test match<\/strong> is often a good time to bowl, especially if there is cloud cover<\/strong> which can make the ball move and swing – batsmen are also nervous and the ball is fresh and new.  
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Why does the cricket ball swing?<\/strong>
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There has always been an element of mystery around why a cricket ball swings in cloudy conditions<\/strong> and there are a number of theories. 
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  1. In overcast conditions, low temperatures and high humidity lead to the air becoming thicker<\/strong>, meaning the ball is more likely to swing around. <\/li>
  2. The cricket pitch is also affected, with a high amount of moisture in the wicket due to humidity<\/strong>. This means that the seam grips the tackier surface <\/strong>and skids more, making it move laterally<\/strong>.<\/li>
  3. The friction effect<\/strong>: You often see players rubbing one side of the ball. This is to create a smooth side and a rough side, to change the \u2018flow velocity\u2019.<\/strong> If the ball lands on the smooth side<\/strong>, it may do something different to when it lands on the rough side<\/strong>, thus confusing the batsman.  <\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

    Five test matches in the series<\/strong>
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    But no matter what the Edgbaston weather, it promises to be an incredible series of intense cricket. All five test matches<\/strong> are taking place in just over six weeks<\/strong>. Here are the Ashes fixtures<\/strong>, with the current Ashes weather forecast: 
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    Ashes forecast & 2019 itinerary:<\/em><\/strong>
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