Australia takes bold approach with all-pace attack in Fourth Ashes Test

July 19, 2023 7:22 am.by Staff Writer

Aussie selectors have taken a bold risk by relying on an all-out pace attack in the Fourth Test to secure the 2023 Ashes Series.

Australia has made two significant changes for the Old Trafford Test, bringing back Cameron Green at the expense of spinner Todd Murphy.

Green’s return strengthens Australia’s seam-bowling options, with Mitchell Marsh also retaining his spot after scoring a century in his comeback during the Third Test defeat.

This marks the first time since January 2012 that Australia enters a Test match without a recognized spinner.

Novice spinner Murphy had a minimal impact at Headingley, bowling only 9.3 overs following Nathan Lyon’s calf injury in the second Test at Lord’s.

Another notable change in the selection is the replacement of fast bowler Scott Boland with Josh Hazlewood, who failed to make an impact during the Third Test.

READ: Ashes Fourth Test Cricket Tips & Betting Preview

There is also speculation surrounding David Warner’s position at the top of the batting order, as he continues to struggle against Stuart Broad and the English attack.

Warner has been dismissed by Broad 17 times in Tests, and if this trend continues in Manchester, Broad could equal Australia great Glenn McGrath’s record of dismissing a single batsman 19 times.

Australia enters the Manchester Test with one of the strongest batting line-ups in recent memory, and wicketkeeper Alex Carey is expected to bat at No. 8.

The tailenders have struggled to score runs in the series, prompting the team to bolster their batting order.

Australian captain Pat Cummins expressed confidence in Warner, highlighting his contributions in three partnerships over 50 runs that have helped Australia establish their series lead.

Cummins believes that despite Warner’s recent struggles, he is capable of returning to form and expects him to perform well in the upcoming Test.

Hazlewood will replace Boland in the playing XI, as the latter has managed only two wickets in two Tests with an expensive average of 115.5.

Australia needs only a draw in Manchester to retain the Ashes but Pat Cummins aims for an outright victory, determined to lead Australia to a comprehensive Ashes campaign win after their shared series in 2019.

Rain is predicted later in the week, which could potentially disrupt play at Old Trafford, known for its notorious weather interruptions.

England has made just one change in their lineup, with James Anderson returning in place of Ollie Robinson, the all-time leading wicket-taker playing on his home cricket ground.

Australia Cricket Team For Fourth Ashes Test

Australia’s team for the fourth Ashes Test includes David Warner, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Travis Head, Mitchell Marsh, Cameron Green, Alex Carey (wicketkeeper), Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins (captain), and Josh Hazlewood.

The Ashes odds with the top cricket betting sites are currently $2.50 for England to win and Australia at $2.70.