Ashes 2019, 5th Test: Key battles to watch out for
What's the story
The Ashes 2019 fifth Test is all set to start from Thursday onwards. The series at the moment is 2-1 in favor of Australia. It's expected to be a cracking affair with both sides playing some strong brand of cricket all along. There are some key battles that we are set to witness in the fifth Test. Here we present the same.
Warner vs Broad
Broad looks to dismiss Warner for the seventh time
Stuart Broad has created many issues for Australia's star batsman David Warner throughout the series. Broad has dismissed Warner six times out of the eight innings. Warner averages 5.33 against Broad and also scored a pair at Old Trafford. In fact, he has amassed three successive ducks. Broad will look to attack from round the stumps once again and claim Warner's scalp.
Smith vs Archer
Can Archer produce substance against Smith?
Jofra Archer's quest for getting Steve Smith's wicket in Manchester fell flat. It was a battle that Smith dominated as he went on to amass 211 and 82. Archer, whose bouncer felled Smith at Lord's, will hope to fare better and dismiss Smith. He needs to be patient against Smith and bowl in the right channels. Continuous short balls won't work.
Root vs Cummins
Can Joe Root outwit an in-form Pat Cummins?
Pat Cummins has been the bowler of this series and his wicket-taking attributes have shaped Australia's success. Cummins has taken 24 scalps already from four Tests at 17.41. The manner in which he got Joe Root in the second innings of the Manchester Test was a fast bowler's delight. England skipper Root will need to be wary of the threat Cummins carries.
Roy vs Hazlewood
Jason Roy could have issues against Josh Hazlewood
Jason Roy hasn't quite enjoyed his start to his Test career. The aggressive limited-overs cricket batsman has faltered with low scores and in the previous Test, his stumps were rooted on both occasions. Josh Hazlewood has dismissed Roy three times in this series and he will be charged up to have a crack at the latter once again. Hazlewood could come out on top.