Steve Smith returned to the fray in the fourth Ashes Test and helped Australia ensure they will retain the urn with a superb double-century.
With the Ashes secured for Australia, England will be looking to at least level the series and claim some more World Test Championship points.
The Ashes – fifth Test | Thursday 12 – Monday 16 September 2019 | The Oval, London | 12:00
To Win
England 15/10
Draw 4/1
Australia 21/20
England
Poor batting undermined England’s efforts to retain the Ashes putting pressure on skipper Joe Root to not only score runs but help hold the hosts top order together.
Rejigging the top four didn’t help England in Leeds although Joe Denly and Rory Burns both notched fifties opening the batting.
The Jason Roy experiment doesn’t appear to have worked for England but he should be given a Test on his county home ground as a final chance to prove himself worthy of a place in the XI.
England’s bowling got a little bit leggy in the fourth Test and twice failed to bowl out Australia. The Jofra Archer vs Smith battle is sure to be one of the highlights of the fifth Ashes Test.
Australia
Smith is arguably the best Test batsman in the world right now but even without him, Australia have been better in most aspects of the game than their hosts.
The form of Marnus Labuschagne has given Australia’s middle order a more stable appearance and coupled with Smith’s brilliance has been the difference between the two sides. His performances have settled Australia’s number three question, but the openers spot is still a headache for Justin Langer.
Neither Marcus Harris nor Cameron Bancroft have looked terribly convincing in this series and David Warner hasn’t been able to translate his World Cup success across to the Test arena.
The bowling attack has been world-class, barring perhaps the second innings of the third Test they have been ruthless in exploiting England’s batting frailties. With the Ashes retained the time might be right to give Pat Cummins a rest.
Australia will be aware of the WTC points that are on the line at the Oval and will also want to complete a series win.
Verdict: Australia
England blew their chance to turn things around in the fourth Test and could crumble in the fifth.
Written by James Richardson for Hollywoodbets.
