Ashes 2015, England vs Australia: Express Preview
After the eventful first four Tests, action shifts to the Oval. England enjoy an unassailable 3-1 lead and are high on confidence heading into the dead rubber. The Alastair Cook-led unit is determined to make it 4-1 and make up for their 0-5 humiliation Down Under.
The first four Tests had no dearth of drama. Both sides had their moments but it was England who captialised and didn’t fritter away the advantage, and regained the urn in record time. Not many would have predicted the series to be decided by the fourth Test. After the humiliation at Lord’s, England regrouped and staged a performance which left the cricketing circles in utter disbelief.
If it was James Anderson and Steve Smith in the third, Stuart Broad’s destructive spell blew the Aussies away on the opening day of the fourth Test. The series is already decided and we know who will pose with the little urn, but there’s a lot at stake for the sides, especially Australia who will see their skipper Michael Clarke and Chris Rogers retire after the game.
Australia: Batting needs to deliver. This will give bowlers enough cushion to fire all cylinders on strips with something in it for everyone. The visitors have struggled against swing. Feet are not moving, shot selection has been very poor and starts haven’t been converted. Apart from Chris Rogers, Steve Smith and David Warner, no batsmen has made an impression. It’s important for someone like Adam Voges to get back among the runs and give Australia much needed momentum for Clarke-less era.
England: It has been a smooth sail for the hosts but they would like to polish some rough edges before raising the toasts and urn. Most of their batters have performed well. Bowlers have done their bit, slip catching has been brilliant. What to polish? Adam Lyth.
The opener’s form is a cause of major concern for the Cook-led unit. In the seven innings, he has scored a dismal 86 and is yet to cross the 50-run mark. If he plays, he’ll be under a lot of pressure to perform.
Star watch
Joe Root: His glorious run with the bat continues. With a spectacular aggregate of 443 runs in the first four Tests, Root has ensured to keep England, on most of the occasions. Two hundreds, two fifties, impressive average and strike-rate reveal why he has been the thorn in Australia’s flesh this summer.
Chris Rogers: Just six short of Root, Rogers (437 runs) has been a treat to watch this summer. His resilience at the top of the order deserves all the praise. While his knocks have come in a losing cause, they have been important and set a perfect manual for fellow Australians to follow. Hang in there, fight it out and runs will come.
