FACTBOX-Cricket-Australia v England first test

July 7 (Reuters) - Factbox on the first Ashes test between England and Australia in Cardiff starting on July 8.

VENUE

Cardiff will stage its first test after previously hosting seven one-day internationals. The two matches involving England were rained off. Capacity: 16,000.

HEAD TO HEAD

The teams have played 64 Ashes series. Australia have won 31, England 28 and five have been drawn. Overall in 316 tests, Australia have won 131, England 97 and 88 have been drawn.

CAPTAINS

Australia - Ricky Ponting, 34. Right-hand batsman; 131 tests, 10,960 runs at 56.20. A quick-footed free-scoring batsman in the best Australian tradition and a relentless captain who has been rebuilding his side after the loss of several great players.

England - Andrew Strauss, 32. Left-hand opening batsman; 62 tests, 4,792 runs at 43.96. After a brief period in the wilderness, Strauss returned to the team last year. Subsequently he has been England's most prolific batsman and the logical choice as captain after Kevin Pietersen's sudden resignation.

KEY PLAYERS