Last Updated on 1 year by Charbel Coorey

Cricket News: Australia predicted playing 11 for 4th Ashes Test | A look at Australia’s predicted playing 11 for Old Trafford Test

Australia have had some selection headaches to consider in the ten days following their defeat at Headingley. David Warner’s form and continued struggles against Stuart Broad is once again in the spotlight, and there is the question of how many all-rounders can fit in the XI.

On the eve of the fourth Ashes Test at Old Trafford, captain Pat Cummins confirmed Josh Hazlewood will replace Scott Boland. The latter has not had the impact many thought he would in England having only dismissed Zak Crawley (twice) in the series.

Also, Cummins confirmed David Warner will play. So, Australia will stick with the same top five.

Australia predicted 11 for 4th Ashes Test at Old Trafford

1. David Warner, 2. Usman Khawaja, 3. Marnus Labuschagne, 4. Steve Smith, 5. Travis Head, 6. Mitchell Marsh, 7. Alex Carey (wk), 8. Cameron Green, 9. Mitchell Starc, 10. Pat Cummins (c), 11. Josh Hazlewood

With Warner and Hazlewood confirmed, the final spot is likely to be between Cameron Green and Todd Murphy.

The former, who was a mainstay in Australia’s XI, missed the last Test due to a minor hamstring injury. Green could come in for Todd Murphy, who bowled just the two overs in the fourth innings at Headingley.

Green’s inclusion gives Australia a very lengthy batting lineup, and the spin duties can be passed onto Travis Head when needed.

However, coach Andrew McDonald, post Headingley, said Australia enjoy having the spinner. Conditions at Old Trafford may tempt Australia to play Murphy given the surface seems to lack a decent covering of grass. But, the weather forecast is for overcast conditions with periods of rain throughout the Test, so the seam bowlers can have a say.

“We like a spinner,” McDonald said. “We like to have a balanced attack and it gives you options, you can take pace out of the game and you become one dimensional … without the ability to turn to a spinner.

“We’ll have to assess that, but as it sits at the moment we do like to have the spinner in the team.”

Cummins, who spoke to Sports Entertainment Network (SEN) on the eve of the Test, said all options are possible.

When asked whether Australia could go without a specialist spin option, Cummins said “I think all options are open. They are the kind of things you discuss when you get into details of how you would use bowlers, in what situations. That helps with clarity of who the final batting or bowling lineup ends up being.”

A win or draw for Australia in this Test will seal the Ashes for the fourth straight series. With rain forecast on the final two days, England will have to play out of their skins to keep the series alive.

ALSO READ: Old Trafford Manchester weather forecast for 4th Test