England will square off with Australia in the fourth Ashes Test at Old Trafford, Manchester from Wednesday onwards. After three thrilling Test matches, the Ashes is 2-1 in favor of the visitors and both teams will have everything to play for in the remaining two Test matches.
We look at the current form, head-to-head, players to look out for, and squads of both teams in our match preview.
Current form for Australia: L W W W D
The biggest positive for Australia from the third Test match was the all-round performance of Mitchell Marsh, who scored a fine century in the first innings. However, the form of David Warner, Marnus Labuschagne, and Scott Boland must be a concern. The tourists are expected to come out all guns and they will look to close out the series at Manchester.
Current form for England: W L L W L
England was able to bounce back after Ben Stokes, Chris Woakes and Mark Wood came up with complete performances. However, Joe Root will have to step up for the hosts after two ordinary last two matches. James Anderson has also been recalled to the team’s playing XI after missing out in Leeds in place of injured Ollie Robinson.
Head to Head: Matches: 359, Won by England: 111, Won by Australia: 152, Drawn: 96.
Players to look out for: Pat Cummins, David Warner, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, Travis Head, and Todd Murphy will be the crucial players for Australia.
Ben Duckett, Ben Stokes, Joe Root, Mark Wood, Stuart Broad and Harry Brook will be the main players for England.
England’s playing XI for the 4th Test: Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Moeen Ali, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Ben Stokes (captain), Jonny Bairstow (wicketkeeper), Chris Woakes, Mark Wood, Stuart Broad, James Anderson.
Australia squad for the fourth Test: Yet to be confirmed.
Australia’s third squad Test was as follows: David Warner, Usman Khawaja, Marcus Harris, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Travis Head, Cameron Green, Mitchell Marsh, Alex Carey, Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, Todd Murphy, Scott Boland, Michael Neser, Jimmy Peirson.
