England vs. Australia the Ashes 2013: Key Players in Test Cricket Series

England and Australia will go head-to-head this summer in a series of high-stakes Test cricket matches for the Ashes 2013.

The two proud cricket nations will battle it out in five locations across England, beginning at Trent Bridge in Nottingham this July and ultimately concluding at The Oval in London in late August. 

England defeated Australia 3-1 two years ago to retain the Ashes and will now look to defend the title on its home soil.

With the action officially underway, here we'll take a closer look at some key players to watch for.

Ashton Agar, Australia

Despite making his Test debut for Australia this summer, 19-year-old record-breaking Ashton Agar will be a huge key for the Aussies as they look to knock off England.

If there was any doubt about Agar's ability it was quickly erased at Trent Bridge during the first Test, as the left-handed teenager became the first No. 11 to make 50 in his Test match debut and the second-fastest Australian batsman to 50, according to BBC Sport:

BBC's Test Match Special puts Agar's incredible first Test performance into proper perspective:

In addition to his batting skills, Agar is also a promising all-around bowler who will provide the Aussies with an additional option on the pitch. There's certainly still a lot that Agar must learn and experience before he can reach his full potential, but he'll be a key player to keep an eye on this summer nonetheless.

Joe Root, England

England's opening batsman, Joe Root, is just a few years older than Agar and will be critical to England's success in 2013. Root is a right-handed batter and a strong bowler with an off-breaking delivery that can create problems for the opposition. 

Physically, there's nothing stopping Root from becoming one of the world's best. As long as he follows the lead of guys like Kevin Pietersen and Alastair Cook, his play should speak for itself at this event.

According to a report by the Mirror's Tom Hopkinson, it's clear that cricketing great Brian Lara believes in Root's potential:

"

You look at him play varying bowling in terms of spin and pace, and how comfortable he looks in the middle, he is definitely someone who is going to be around for a long time.

"

It's hard to argue with one of the greatest batsmen of all time. Root is a versatile player for England and one who could turn out to be the biggest difference at this year's Ashes.

Alastair Cook, England

The English captain will need to be on the very top of his game this summer in order to help lead the European powerhouse past Australia.

Alastair Cook, who is still developing into his role at age 28, has been incredibly successful for England, leading them in 11 Tests and having produced six wins while suffering just one defeat over that time.

Cook's patience and leadership will be vital for the English over the next few weeks as they look to maintain their stranglehold on the rival Aussies. Cook is always a threat with the bat and has the potential to become Australia's worst nightmare again this summer.

Follow Bleacher Report Featured Columnist Patrick Clarke on Twitter.