Last Updated on 5 years by Charbel Coorey

Ashes 2019: England vs Australia 4th Test Preview Dream11 & MyTeam11 Prediction. ENG vs AUS 4th Test Preview Dream11 & MyTeam11 Prediction

10 days have passed since one of the greatest Tests ever. Like the players, we as fans have had the chance to recoup, recover and reset for take four in an Ashes series already compared to the great 2005 series.

So, what on earth does Manchester have in store for us? England, courtesy of Ben Stokes, who is having one of the most incredible summers anyone can remember, are alive by the skin of their teeth. Their memorable win in Headingley was their first win in nine Ashes Tests, of which they hope will be a springboard for more success as they look to regain the Urn. They can certainly hope so, given they have not lost a Test at Old Trafford since 2001. Changes have been made, including one final attempt to help Jason Roy find his feet at Test level. Will England make it 2-1 with one Test to play?

Changes are also the case for Australia. Steve Smith, the best Test batsman in the world, is back, just as he returns to the number one ranking. His presence is huge, giving Australia that all-important resistance they still lacked in Headingley. Usman Khawaja, captain in Australia’s tour game in Derbyshire, has made way, placing pressure on Marcus Harris to ensure he performs. But, there is no pressure greater than that on Tim Paine, who was centre of Australia’s horror hour that meant the Ashes are still up for grabs. Australia still have two chances to retain it, but the time is now.

Also read: Forget Joel Wilson. Australia had only themselves to blame

Key to an England win

“There is still ample time to get him out”, replied a determined Jofra Archer, after Steve Smith claimed he doesn’t quite have the wood over him yet. It sets us up for another riveting battle. A battle you’d want to fast forward time for, all part of an Ashes series that is simmering up beautifully. Indeed, the Archer-Smith battle will be key, but how England continue to expose Australia’s batting lineup will be just as important. It was Marnus Labuschagne who stood tallest in Headingley for Australia, and his form also makes him a crucial wicket. With inconsistency rife throughout Australia’s lineup – including the openers, England’s attack – that has a balance of control and fire, can look to pick up crucial little victories throughout the Test.

But, which England will show up with the bat? Will it be the one who folded for 67 all out? Or the one who dug in to achieve their highest ever successful fourth innings run chase in history? England’s commitment to wearing Australia down – the kind Joe Root wants to achieve again – will be vital as Australia continue with their four-man attack strategy. Joe Denly, now an opener, needs to combine well with Rory Burns who has batted for well over 500 balls this series. If Joe Root and Jason Roy can build on a good start, Ben Stokes becomes even more of a worry for Australia, along with the likes of Jos Buttler and Jonny Bairstow.

Key to an Australia win

Runs for Steve Smith are vital. Indeed, had it not been for Smith in the opening two Tests, Australia would have found themselves 2-0 down. However, this places onus on the others to deliver more. Marnus Labuschagne, with three consecutive half centuries, has been superb, but who else will put their hand up for the long haul? Who will be willing to withstand periods of sustained pressure, giving an hour or two to England’s bowlers when needed? David Warner did that on the opening day in Headingley, but his duck in the second dig made it five single figure scores in six innings this series. Marcus Harris, of whom the selectors decided to keep in the side ahead of Usman Khawaja, also has to repay the faith. Indeed, Australia’s batting recovery starts at the top, with the middle order tasked with outplaying England’s.

Also, the makeup of Australia’s bowling attack is still in the air. Will Mitchell Starc finally get a run? If so, he will be required to hit his straps straight away, placing pressure on England through pace. Australia’s bowlers, after dismissing England for 67 in Headingley, had periods of inconsistency in the second innings which ultimately cost them the match. How Australia fare with the new ball is key, and Josh Hazlewood in particular has been superb. Can Australia place immediate pressure on Joe Root and Jason Roy? How well will they stick to their guns when England’s middle order looks to get on top? Along with the seamers, Nathan Lyon has a crucial role to play after a tough final day at Headingley, on what is expected to be a dry Old Trafford pitch.

Pitch and conditions

The pitch at Old Trafford is said to be mostly free of grass, with a few little cracks. Surely, despite the overcast conditions, the team winning the toss would bat first to get the chance to bowl last on it. In terms of the weather, Friday looks most threatening in terms of rain, with a chance of afternoon showers on days one and two.

Possible Playing 11

England have named their XI. Craig Overton has come in for Chris Woakes, and Joe Denly and Jason Roy swap places.

England: 1. Rory Burns, 2. Joe Denly, 3. Joe Root (c), 4. Jason Roy, 5. Ben Stokes, 6. Jonny Bairstow (wk), 7. Jos Buttler, 8. Craig Overton, 9. Jofra Archer, 10. Stuart Broad, 11. Jack Leach

Australia have named their 12-man squad. Usman Khawaja has been dropped, and either Peter Siddle or Mitchell Starc will take the final spot.

Australia: 1. David Warner, 2. Marcus Harris, 3. Marnus Labuschagne, 4. Steven Smith, 5. Travis Head, 6. Matthew Wade, 7. Tim Paine (c & wk), 8. Pat Cummins, 9. Peter Siddle/Mitchell Starc, 10. Josh Hazlewood, 11. Nathan Lyon

Fantasy Cricket Prediction

Also read: MyTeam11 vs Dream11 – which is better for you?

MyTeam11 (regular) Prediction: Jonny Bairstow (wk), Steve Smith (vc), Marcus Harris, Rory Burns, Marnus Labuschagne, Ben Stokes (c), Stuart Broad, Jofra Archer, Josh Hazlewood, Nathan Lyon, Pat Cummins

Dream11 Prediction

Option 1 (if Australia bat first):

Option 2 (if England bat first):

Stats and Facts

• England are unbeaten in Tests at Old Trafford since 2001 (11 Tests).
• However, England’s last Ashes win at Old Trafford was in 1981.
• Australia’s loss at Headingley was their first in Ashes cricket since 2015 (eight match unbeaten run).
• No English ground has a higher scoring rate in Tests than Old Trafford in the past 10 years: 3.46.
• Steve Smith and Pat Cummins are ranked number one batsman and bowler in Tests respectively. The last time Australia had both the number one batsman and bowler was in March 2006 (Ricky Ponting and Glenn McGrath).

Match Prediction

Weather is set to play a part, but not as much as Lord’s (hopefully). I predict there will be a result, and given it remains to be seen how Australia recover after the Headingley horror, England start favourites. Head says England in this one. Heart says Australia still have plenty going for them.

In the meantime, relive each of the first three Ashes 2019 Tests with player ratings!

1st Test Player Ratings: Smith and Lyon lead Australia to a big win

2nd Test Player Ratings: This Archer guy gets England back into the series

3rd Test Player Ratings: Ben Stokes plays the innings of a lifetime to get England home