It’s the big one! It’s everything to play for as England take on Australia at Trent Bridge, a ground that has been known as James Anderson’s favorite hunting ground. But there’s no James Anderson to be found, out because of a side strain suffered in the victory at Edgbaston.
It has been a unpredictable series so far – England on top in the first Test, Australia completely dominating the second Test and the third Test comprehensively won in just 3 days by England. Nobody really knows what to expect from this series anymore, as the pendulum swings widely, from one end to another.
Captain Alastair Cook tries to make sense of it all: “The series has been slightly strange in the topsy-turvy nature of the results, but it has been brilliant to be part of it.” England discovered a new hero in Birmingham, in Steven Finn. He will lead the attack along with Stuart Broad, Ben Stokes and possibly Mark Wood, provided he recovers 100% from his injury.
While Stuart Broad is certain to open the attack, it remains to be seen who the other new ball bowler for England will be. Bets are on Mark Wood, with Steven Finn coming at first change. England are also struggling with an out-of-form opening batsman in Adam Lyth, who has been shockingly poor in this series, but there doesn’t seem to be a replacement.
For Australia, Michael Clarke is probably in the leanest period of his career as a Test batsman. It’s been long since Clarke played an innings of consequence for Australia and as he readily admitted, Australia has been playing far too often with seemingly just 10 men, with Clarke himself hardly contributing with the bat.
Clarke knows well that this has to change; otherwise his position in the Australian Test team could be under threat, particularly given his under-study Steve Smith’s rapid rise. Says Clarke: “I don’t think you can build it up too much, I think you’ve got to play your best. You want the excitement that comes with a grand final, but you also want the calmness and freedom to go out there and play like you play in any other Test match.”
For Australia, there are crucial decisions to be made. Shaun Marsh could well come in for Adam Voges who has done nothing of note in the entire series. Or he could replace his brother Mitchell Marsh, who has been good with the ball, but has done nothing of consequence with the bat. Wicketkeeper Phil Nevill is expected to hold on to his slot, ahead of veteran Brad Haddin.
The Teams
England: 1 Alastair Cook (capt), 2 Adam Lyth, 3 Ian Bell, 4 Joe Root, 5 Jonny Bairstow, 6 Ben Stokes, 7 Jos Buttler (wk), 8 Moeen Ali, 9 Stuart Broad, 10 Mark Wood, 11 Steven Finn
Australia: 1 David Warner, 2 Chris Rogers, 3 Steven Smith, 4 Michael Clarke (capt), 5 Shaun Marsh, 6 Mitchell Marsh, 7 Peter Nevill (wk), 8 Mitchell Johnson, 9 Mitchell Starc, 10 Josh Hazlewood, 11 Nathan Lyon
Match Conditions
Can we expect an Edgbaston like track here in Trent Bridge? Possible, as there seems to be rain in the air and a plenty of grass left on the pitch. So it should provide a plenty of pace and movement. The bowlers from both teams would be excited at the prospect of bowling here.
Watch England take on Australia in the 4th Test of the Ashe live on Star Sports, from Thursday to Monday, at 3:30 PM.
