Ashes 2023: 4th Test Preview – Another thriller on the card?
England and Australia will square off in the fourth Test of the ongoing Ashes 2023 at Old Trafford in Manchester. While the hosts will be looking to carry the same momentum, from the previous game, into their next encounter, the visitors will be aiming to win the game, which would eventually lead them to an Ashes series victory.
A win for Australia would mean that they retain the urn by taking an unassailable 3-1 lead in the five-match series. After winning the first two Tests, Australia faced a setback in the third game. England marked a brilliant comeback, and the inclusion of Chris Woakes and Mark Wood worked wonders for them, thereby helping them win the Leeds Test.
Joe Root has a brilliant average batting at Old Trafford, as the former skipper has scored 798 runs in nine games at the venue at an average of 60.76. The Australian side, as a team, have put up some scintillating performances and will be expected to repeat similar heroics. With both teams aiming for a win, the forthcoming contest will be a mouth-watering one.
Pitch Conditions
The turf at the Old Trafford stadium in Manchester assists the batters well. The pacers might benefit from the pitch, given the bounce that is on offer. As the surface wears out, the spinners will have a potential role to play.
Venue details: Old Trafford, Manchester
Last Test match at the venue: England- 415/9 (declared) | South Africa- 151 & 179
Here’s the probable playing XI for England vs Australia clash:
England
England announced an unchanged squad for the fourth Test and made just one change to their playing XI by bringing back James Anderson to the lineup.
Probable XI: Ben Duckett, Zak Crawley, Moeen Ali, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Ben Stokes (c), Jonathan Bairstow (wk), Chris Woakes, Mark Wood, Stuart Broad, James Anderson
Australia
David Warner’s place in the lineup had been under scrutiny, but the Australian skipper backed him to do well in the forthcoming games and hence he is likely to retain his opening spot. Australia have brought in Josh Hazlewood in Scott Boland’s place.
Probable XI: David Warner, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Steven Smith, Travis Head, Mitchell Marsh, Alex Carey (wk), Pat Cummins (c), Mitchell Starc, Todd Murphy, Scott Boland
