England declare on 393-8 after Root hits brilliant century off just 145 balls
Earliest ever declaration in the first innings of an Ashes Test
Root and Bairstow (78) put on 121 for sixth wicket
Brook (32) & Stokes (1) fall after lunch to leave England 176-5
Crawley, who creamed first ball of match through covers for four, hits 61
Watch Today at the Test at 19:00 on BBC Two and iPlayer (UK only)
The Telegraph goes with England skipper Ben Stokes talking up the atmosphere at Edgbaston ahead of what they call "the most hotly anticipated Ashes since the iconic series of 2005".
Meanwhile, former England captain Michael Atherton, writing in The Times, looks at a "fascinating clash of cultures" in what could be "an Ashes for the ages".
Image source, Daily Telegraph
Image source, The TimesLet's have a look at what the papers are saying then - I think it's fair to say they're as excited as the rest of us!
Image source, Mirror Sport
Image source, Daily MailGreg James has picked his top five Ashes moments - there are some absolute classics in there!
Do you agree? Let us know your top Ashes moments using #bbccricket on Twitter, via WhatsApp on 03301231826 or text 81111 (standard network charges apply).
Ashes 2023: Greg James' top five Ashes moments
Image source, Getty ImagesWith the first Ashes Test finally here, England and Australia are set to write the latest chapter in sport's greatest love story, says chief cricket writer Stephan Shemilt.
What better way to whet your appetite ahead of this series than look at some of the best moments from the last Ashes in England.
There really were some incredible moments!
The Ashes: Relive best of 2019 England v Australia series
BBC Test Match Special
There is so much to get stuck into ahead of this series. We've got you covered here and so, too, do BBC Test Match Special.
Live coverage will begin on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra from 10:25 BST and before that you can listen the big Ashes preview here.
That’s right, 15 months to the day since England collapsed in Hobart and Australia lifted the urn after a crushing 4-0 series win, it’s Ashes time again!
While a lot of the names are the same, this is a very different England side. Under Ben Stokes they have won 11 of 13 Tests – doing so in swashbuckling fashion, too.
A first Ashes triumph since 2015 is the aim for Stokes and co but to do so they have to overcome an Australia side filled with confidence after being crowned world Test champions last weekend.
What a series it promises to be – I can’t wait! Thankfully, the first ball is now less than three hours away…
Image source, Getty ImagesThe wait is almost over…
Image source, Getty Images