The Ashes series has long been decided but neither side wants to give an inch to the other in this fierce rivalry. England managed to finally demonstrate some backbone in Sydney giving them renewed hope of avoiding being blanked Downunder yet again.
Australia vs England | 14 January – 18 January | Blundstone Arena, Hobart
To Win Match
Australia 6/10 | Draw 22/10 | England 13/2
Australia
Australia have endured a mixed bag of results in Hobart in the past, which could be why this is the first time the venue will play host to an Ashes Test.
On the hosts’ side is the fact they have a rampant pace bowling attack, which extends beyond the starting XI, while the visitors have brought their peashooters.
Marcus Harris is one of the few Australian batsmen with a point to prove in Hobart and he may even lose his place if Justin Langer opts to retain Usman Khawaja and shift the batting order around to allow Travis Head back.
Mitchell Starc does not want to be rested and heads into the final Test as the leading wicket-taker in the series, he is always a sound punt for first wicket in the match.
England
England managed to grit out a draw in Sydney but it is clear they will need much more to actually register a victory.
The tourists have struggled to bowl Australia out on surfaces that have offered plenty of assistance to the quick bowlers, and it hasn’t helped that their system or rotating their bowlers has been carried out without rhyme or reason.
Mark Wood is the most threatening of the bowlers and when he is present, it greatly assists the likes of Stuart Broad and James Anderson.
England need more from their bowlers and top-order batsmen to make the gains they need to pull one over on Australia.
Verdict: Australia 6/10
Australia are favourites for everyone who has watched the Ashes series so far.
