Ashes Fourth Test Preview

After three Tests of breathless action, the 2023 Ashes are perfectly poised ahead of the fourth encounter at Old Trafford in Manchester. Australia outlasted England in two five-day thrillers at Edgbaston and Lord’s to take a 2-0 advantage before Ben Stokes’ side hit back in sensational fashion at Headingley, winning by three wickets with their sensational day-four chase.

The series moves onto Manchester with everything still to play for, as Australia look to secure their first Ashes win on British shores since 2001, while England hope to draw level and force a decider at the Oval in the fifth Test.

Players to watch out for

David Warner 

It’s been another poor Ashes series so far for David Warner, with the left-hander averaging just 23.5 in six innings. Warner suffered two successive failures in the Headingley Test, falling to Stuart Broad for single figures in both innings and the onus will be on the 36-year-old to reverse his fortunes at Old Trafford to lighten the run-scoring burden currently shouldered by Usman Khawaja and the middle order.

James Anderson

James Anderson has played a minor role in the series so far, taking just three wickets at an average of 75.33. The veteran seamer was rested for England’s victory at Headingley but will return to the side for his home fixture at Old Trafford, a ground at which he has taken 37 wickets on his last ten visits at an average of 22.02.

Team News

England have already announced their playing XI for the Manchester Test, making one change to the team with Jimmy Anderson replacing Ollie Robinson in the bowling line-up at Old Trafford. The single switch also indicates that England are sticking with the same batting line-up that won them the game at Leeds, keeping Moeen Ali at number three and Harry Brook at number five.

Australia, meanwhile, could be shuffling up the pack ahead of the fourth Test. Mitchell Marsh has made himself undroppable after his phenomenal showing with bat and ball at Leeds, leaving Todd Murphy as the only expendable player in the side to make way for the returning Cameron Green, forcing Australia to go with a five-man pace attack and no lead spinner at Old Trafford.

Having been rested at Headingley, Josh Hazlewood is also likely to return to the fray for the fourth Test, replacing Scott Boland in the XI.

Possible XI’s

England: Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Moeen Ali, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Ben Stokes, Jonny Bairstow, Chris Woakes, Stuard Broad, Mark Wood, James Anderson

Australia: Usman Khawaja, David Warner, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Travis Head, Cameron Green, Mitchell Marsh, Alex Carey, Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood