England managed to keep the Ashes alive with victory last time out but they will need to back that up at Old Trafford. Australia might feel they still have the edge despite England taking victory at Headingley.
England vs Australia | Fourth Ashes Test | Wednesday 19 July – Sunday 23 July 2023 | Old Trafford, Manchester
England 5/4 | Draw 16/5 | Australia 6/4
Mark Wood powered England to a pace-driven win last time out as England’s positive approach with the bat just did enough.
Chris Woakes also made a valuable contribution to the cause to show that England’s pace stocks are still relatively healthy.
Harry Brook played one of the most important innings of his career to date in the last Test and England will hope for more.
Skipper Ben Stokes is always the ace up England’s sleeve whether it is with bat or ball.
Mitchell Marsh showed that Australia could also bring an aggressive approach to Test batting with his run-a-ball 118 but that proved just a little insufficient.
Travis Head just keeps making runs as the more established batters flounder and he might be the key man for Australia.
The Australian pace attack will be out to up their game at Old Trafford and kill off the series once and for all.
Mitchell Starc and Pat Cummins will be the leaders of that attack but they need to find a way to keep the pressure on England throughout.
Verdict: England
England should set up a deciding fifth Test with a win at Old Trafford.
