England have shown their trust yet again in their veteran pace bowler James Anderson for the must-win fourth Test against Australia at Old Trafford.
James Anderson, 40, is the most experienced fast bowler for the England Test side. He was recalled for the fourth Ashes Test against England after being dropped from the third Ashes Test at Headingley.
Robinson was seen struggling with black spasms during the third Test and was considered to be fit for the fourth Test at Old Trafford. Australia is currently leading the Ashes series 2-1, England have to win their fourth Test if they want to regain the Ashes Title.
Moeen Ali has been confirmed to bat at three after being promoted in the batting order for the second innings of the third Test at Headingley.
Harry Brook, who batted at number 3 for England in the first inning of that match, remains in the number five position and scored a match-winning 75 in the second innings.
Anderson, England’s all-time highest wicket-taker, struggled in the first two Test matches where they lost. After returning from a groin injury suffered playing for Lancashire, he managed only three wickets against the Australians on unresponsive surfaces at Edgbaston and Lord’s. Anderson is returning to England’s side for what could be his last Test match at Old Trafford and would be hoping for a winning contribution for England’s side.
Indeed one of the toughest Ashes Tests they will be playing at Old Trafford because they haven’t won a single Test match against Australia since 1981 and the visitor team would be looking further to retain their Ashes with a victory as they did it at the same ground four years ago.
The weather could play an important role in the fourth Test. The forecast is showing to be in mixed conditions for the fourth Test.
Warner made 66 in the first innings of the second Test, but was out for four and one at Headingley, twice dismissed by old nemesis Stuart Broad, who has been troubling this batter since the beginning of the Ashes Series.
We may see another change in Australia’s bowling line-up in the form of Scott Boland who had come in the place of Josh Hazlewood but remained wicketless in both innings against England and couldn’t even trouble their batters. There are chances that Josh Hazlewood might be recalled for the fourth Test.
Cameron Green missed the Leeds Test through injury, with his replacement Mitchell Marsh set to remain in the side after scoring a century at Headingley.
England’s Playing Eleven: Ben Duckett, Zak Crawley, Moeen Ali, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Ben Stokes (c), Jonny Bairstow (wk), Chris Woakes, Mark Wood, Stuart Broad, James Anderson.
Australia’s Playing Eleven: David Warner, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschange, Steve Smith, Travis Head, Mitchell Marsh, Alex Carey (wk), Cameron Green, Pat Cummins (c), Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood.
