Oldest rivalry in cricket gets underway

LINDSEY PARNABY / AFP

The 2019 Ashes get underway later on Thursday in Birmingham.

England and Australia's cricketers will take the field in the first of five Test matches as they battle to win the historic urn.

The hosts have confirmed that fast bowler Jofra Archer will miss the opening match.

That means Stuart Broad and James Anderson will open the bowling.

Meanwhile Australia have remained tight-lipped about their final playing XI.

Play from Edgbaston gets underway at 2 pm UAE time.

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