Ashes 4th Test Betting Tips
Old Trafford, Wednesday 19th July - Sunday 23rd July
3rd Test Review
England kept the series alive with a three wicket at Headingley, as England chased down 254 in the fourth innings on the back of Harry Brook’s 75, and Chris Woakes’ 34 not out.
Mitch Marsh compiled a scintillating run a ball century upon his return to the Test side on day one, which saw Australia reach 263 despite Mark Wood’s 5/34 tearing through the top and lower order.
Australia had England on the ropes at 7/142 in the host’s first innings, however a crucial knock of 80 from Ben Stokes meant that the Aussies only held a 26 run lead heading into the second innings.
Australia once again held a strong position at 1/68 in their second innings, however soft dismissals to Marnus Labuschagne and Steve Smith invited England back into the clash, as Travis Head (77) was the only Australian batsman to make a significant contribution as the Australians were bowled out for 222.
England were in full control of the chase as Zak Crawley (44), Ben Duckett (23) and Joe Root (21) saw England to 3/131. Mitchell Starc (5/78) then removed Harry Brook, Ben Stokes and Jonny Bairstow to give Australia hope. Chris Woakes and Mark Wood held their nerve to see England over the line and keep the series alive.
Australia
With Pat Cummins confirming Josh Hazlewood will replace Scott Boland, it means Australia will need to decide between Cameron Green and Todd Murphy for the final place in their eleven. Although Murphy was under utilised in Leeds, it’s difficult to see Australia not picking a front line spinner given the pitch at Old Trafford looks very flat.
After being left out of the first Test, Mitchell Starc has made a massive impact, taking 13 wickets at an average of 23.38 in the last two Tests. There were many concerns around how Starc would fare against BazBall, however the left armer has been outstanding in this series.
Marnus Labushcagne looms as a player that gives Australia plenty of upside given he is yet to perform in this series. Labuschagne has gotten starts in his last four innings with knocks of 47, 30, 21 and 33, however the Aussies need Labuschagne to turn one of his starts into a big score if they’re to win this series.
Australia Predicted XI: David Warner, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Travis Head, Mitch Marsh, Alex Carey, Mitch Starc, Pat Cummins, Todd Murphy, Josh Hazlewood
England
England have named their side with Jimmy Anderson coming in for Ollie Robinson. The big news out of the English camp is that Moen Ali will bat number three, with Harry Brook returning to his familiar spot at number five.
Captain Ben Stokes is starting to hit his straps and looks capable of dragging his side to a come from behind series victory with the form he is in. Stokes is the second most prolific run scorer in the series, scoring 309 runs at an average of 51.
Stuart Broad has done the damage with the ball for England, taking a series best 16 wickets at an average of 24.93. Broad has once again tormented David Warner, dismissing the Australian opener in three of his six innings this series. Broad will be partnered by Jimmy Anderson who struggled in the opening two Tests, however Anderson will be well rested and eager to perform at his home ground.
England Predicted XI: Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Moen Ali, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Ben Stokes, Jonny Bairstow, Chris Woakes, Mark Wood, Stuart Broad, Jimmy Anderson
Match Prediction
Headingley produced the most even contest that has been seen this series between bat and ball, however on first images of the pitch in Manchester, it looks like proceedings from the opening two tests will take place. With inclement weather around for the entire Test in Manchester, it could force BazBall to go to an entirely new level to ensure Australia don’t retain the Ashes at the same venue as they did in 2019.
Moen Ali’s selection at number three doubles down on how England will continue to be aggressive. Moen is averaging just 15 with the bat this series, so it will provide Australia the opportunity to make some major inroads in the English lineup if they get things right early.
Rain is forecasted for days one, three, four and five of the Test and given a flat pitch with very little grass on offer, this has all the makings of a draw. Australia know that the series is in their control and they can dictate the tempo if the conditions take the opportunity of victory away from them. Australia has not lost at Old Trafford since 1981, with two of their last three Tests at Manchester ending in a draw.
