Ashes 2019, 4th Test: Preview, Dream11 and more
England and Australia will be gearing up for the fourth Ashes Test, starting from September 4 onwards at Old Trafford in Manchester. The five-match series is tied at 1-1 at the moment. Aussies will want to regroup after losing the third Ashes Test at Headingley. Steve Smith is set to return for them. Here is the match preview.
England are the in-form side and skipper Joe Root will be wanting to seize the momentum once again. Ben Stokes was the hero for England in a thrilling third Test and he is their best man to rally the side. Jofra Archer will lead the bowling attack. His duels with Smith will be in focus. Jason Roy is expected to bat at number four.
The Aussies have selected a 12-member side for the fourth Test. Usman Khawaja has been dropped and fast bowler Mitchell Starc was included. Also, to feature is Smith, who missed the third Test due to a concussion. Marnus Labuschangne, who replaced Smith, keeps his place after impressing with three successive fifties. Aussies will need to choose three pacers from the four named.
We have gone for David Warner and Joe Denly to open the batting of this Dream11 side. Warner also adds dynamism in the slips. Smith (vice-captain) adds cushion alongside Labuschangne and Travis Head. Jonny Bairstow is the wicket-keeper batsman. Ben Stokes (captain) is the main all-rounder. The bowling attack sees Archer, Stuart Broad, Josh Hazlewood and Starc featuring. It's a strong line-up on offer.
"We felt a bit like we got the Ashes stolen the other day. And to England's great credit, that's what they did. Now we've got to work out what we're going to do," said Aussie coach Langer. "I'm going to be a very interested viewer from mid-on because they (Archer and Smith) are two world-class players going against each other," said Broad.
According to reports, rain is forecast for the week in Manchester, interspersed with some sunny spells. Pacers will have a say and spinners could settle in once the game goes on. Batting will not be easy, therefore, application is key. The match is set to be held at Old Trafford in Manchester. One can watch it live on the Sony Ten Network.
