It has been a manic summer of action on the pitch thus far, and the temperature looks set to be taken up another notch when the Ashes get back underway at Old Trafford on Wednesday afternoon. If you’re looking for the best fourth Ashes test tips, then you’re in the right place.
Series Recap
The action between England and Australia has been fast-paced throughout the summer. The first test went the way of the Aussies, as an inspired Steve Smith scored 142 runs in a second innings masterclass. England struggled to respond at Edgbaston and were all out after attempting to chase down the Aussies; eventually falling by 251 runs.
However, Australia weren’t able to capitalise on this momentum, and the sides drew the second test at Lord’s. Ben Stokes was the man in inspired form this time around, and that would be something that would become a theme in the following test. The biggest factor to come out of the second test was the concussion picked up by Smith after vicious bowling from Jofra Archer. The injury ruled Smith out of the third test at Headingly.
Ben Stokes made history in the third test as he produced a superhuman effort to score 135 and drag England back into contention for the urn. Albeit with a little bit of luck; Stokes would have been out but for a wasted review used by the Aussies earlier in the over. The target of 359 set by Australia looked impossible for England, but Stokes etched his name into Ashes folklore with one of the best performances ever in test cricket. The momentum has swung back in England’s favour, but can they capitalise at Old Trafford?
England Squad Changes
England have made one change for the fourth test with Craig Overton coming in to replace Chris Woakes. Meanwhile, Joe Root also confirmed that Joe Denly and Jason Roy would switch in the batting order.
Australia Squad Changes
As expected, Smith returns to the Australian fold.
Fourth Ashes Test Predictions
The tension will be in the air when the first ball is bowled at Old Trafford on Wednesday afternoon as there is a feeling this series could go either way. The first innings will be crucial for both sides, as England will be looking to increase the pressure on Australia following the dramatic finish in the third test. The return of Smith is enormous for Australia, and if he regains his form, this could be a straight shootout between himself and Stokes regarding which man hands his country the advantage. Expect Archer to have a significant part in scuppering any plans Australia have of a resurrection.
