England’s incredible summer continued in the Third Test of the Ashes as they recovered from a record-low first innings total to claim a nail-biting one-wicket win.
Australia will curse their luck and umpire Joel Wilson for denying them a victory that would have guaranteed they retained the Ashes.
The Ashes – fourth Test | Wednesday 4 – Sunday 8 September 2019 | Old Trafford, Manchester | 12:00
To Win
England 15/10
Draw 24/10
Australia 16/10
England
Ben Stokes was the undisputed hero in the third Test of the series showing incredible concentration, resolve and guts to somehow haul England level in the series but there were others whose contribution cannot be understated.
Joe Root and Joe Denly formed a partnership that gave England something resembling middle-order stability for the first time in a long time and the bowlers kept them in a game that Australia should have bossed.
Jimmy Anderson has withdrawn from the rest of the Ashes after a recurrence of his calf injury which means that England are likely to stick with their current attack. The additions of Jofra Archer and Jack Leach have made a big difference and both bring more to the XI than simply their bowling.
Archer has been very quick to adapt to Test cricket, quickly learning to adjust his line and length to the surface and circumstances. He will be a key player for England.
Australia
Steve Smith will return to the XI having recovered from the blow to the head suffered when he failed to duck an Archer bouncer. The former skipper will force at least one change and it seems likely to be a left-hander that will make way.
The Aussies southpaw brigade have struggled in the Ashes with only Travis Head averaging more than 30. Australia might also sacrifice a specialist batsman to accommodate the return of Mitchell Marsh, who was the man of the match in the tour game against Derbyshire.
Smith’s replacement Marnus Labuschagne is the one man in the top order who is likely to be safe from the axe after his fine batting displays both as concussion substitute in the second Test and then in the starting XI for the Headingley encounter.
Usman Khawaja was asked to open in the tour game but chief selector Trevor Hohns has said that does not necessarily reflect Australia’s tactical thinking for the crucial fourth Test.
Verdict: England
England have been lifted by their Headingley heroics and should be able to squeeze past Australia.
Written by James Richardson for Hollywoodbets.
