England vs Australia takes place in the first test in this year's Ashes 2013 series on Wednesday, with England slight favorites to retain the Ashes. However, Australia have shown flashes of impressive form recently and they will be desperate to win back the urn and take down England on their own soil.

Day 1 of the first test starts on Wednesday and can be watched online through live stream via the link provided below.

There have been some classic Ashes series in recent times, and this time should be no different. For many Englishmen and Australian cricketers, the Ashes mark the pinnacle of the game, and neither side will be treating this series recklessly.

It is vital for both sides that they get off to a good start in this series, and that means preferably winning the first test, or at the very least not losing and going behind in the five test match series.

Day 1 will be hugely important to see who gets on top early on, but make no mistake this will be a long struggle for both sides with the match likely swinging back and forth between the two sides.

England captain Alastair Cook has taken a confident stance coming into this year's Ashes series. He is desperate to lead England to a third successive Ashes series victory for the first time since 1981.

Ahead of the Trent Bridge Test, Cook said: "Australia have fantastic players and it will be one heck of a battle. Every Ashes series I have played in is always intense and that is what we have got to prepare ourselves for."

Cook, 28, who is captaining his country in an Ashes series for the first time, added: "Cricket isn't played on paper and it never will be. It's about who delivers out there come tomorrow and the next 24 days of cricket."

Day 1 of the first test of the Ashes 2013 starts at 6 a.m. ET and can be watched online through free live stream by clicking here.