Last Updated on 1 year by Charbel Coorey
Cricket News: Australia predicted XI for 5th Ashes Test at The Oval | What will Australia’s XI be for the 5th Ashes Test?
Australia retained the Ashes thanks to Manchester rain and two wins to start the series. However, the nature of the performance at Old Trafford sent alarm bells ringing among the Australian fraternity, with criticism around the team selection, on-field tactics and general lack of intent.
However, thanks to solid displays under pressure at Edgbaston and Lord’s, Australia go to The Oval with the opportunty to win their first Test series in England since 2001. It will be interesting to see what changes they make after the main three bowlers were run into the ground as England ran rampant at Manchester.
Australia predicted XI for 5th Test at The Oval:
1. David Warner, 2. Usman Khawaja, 3. Marnus Labuschagne, 4. Steve Smith, 5. Travis Head, 6. Mitchell Marsh, 7. Alex Carey (wk), 8. Michael Neser, 9. Pat Cummins (c), 10. Mitchell Starc, 11. Todd Murphy
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Mitchell Marsh’s contributions this series – century at Headingley and batting 107 balls in the second innings at Manchester – makes him undroppable. This leaves the capable and talented Cameron Green at risk of losing his spot if Australia are to go with the specialist spinner this time around in Todd Murphy.
Nathan Lyon’s absence has been telling with the Australians unable to control the game at Old Trafford. While Murphy is still raw, he can allow Cummins to turn to a change in pace, where Australia need to back the spinner to play a key role. Murphy was used for just two overs in the fourth innings at Headingley, so it will be interesting how Australia use him at The Oval should he be selected.
Also, it surely is too difficult to ignore Michael Neser any further. He is in outstanding form in country cricket having smashed 487 runs (avg. 71.16) and taken 20 wickets (avg. 26.15) in six matches.
All three seamers – Cummins, Hazlewood, Starc – were worked to the bone at Manchester. Given the short turnaround, the Neser selection would make sense. But, for whom?
Despite Cummins’ workload, he is the captain. Mitchell Starc had a shoulder complaint at Old Trafford, so it remains to be seen if he is fit enough. If he is, he may be preferred over Hazlewood given the left-arm angle he provides.
The fifth and final Test begins on Thursday, 27th July.
