In just over few hours, England will take on Australia in the 5th and final test of the Ashes series at The Oval. Though the series has been won by Alaistar Cook’s men, Michael Clarke will hope that his team will be able to fight in the last test and salvage some pride. It’s been a long time since we have seen such a situation where Australia have not won any of the previous 4 Ashes tests. England leads the 5 match series 3-0. Australia has never lost to England 4-0 in an Ashes series and Clarke would hope that the record stays that way.
On form, England is clearly the favorites to beat Australia and win comprehensively. Barring the third test, Australia has been completely outplayed by the home side. Selection woes have also hit the visitors and the inconsistent form of players has not helped any cause for Australia.
Since 1990, Australia has won 1 and lost 3 matches against England at The Oval
Team News
Tim Bresnan is not available for England in this match due to injury. This would pave the way for Chris Tremlett to come back to the team. Rest of the team should be the same as the last test. Australia, on the other hand, has already announced their XI. James Faulkner is set to debut at the Oval and Starc is set to return to the team. Watson has been listed to bat at no.3 with Warner and Rogers to open. Here’s the probable line up of both the teams:
England: Alaistar Cook (Capt.), Joe Root, Jonathan Trott, Kevin Pietersen, Ian Bell, Jonny Bairstow, Matt Prior (WK), Stuart Broad, Graeme Swann, Chris Tremlett & James Anderson
Australia (Confirmed): David Warner, Chris Rogers, Shane Watson, Michael Clarke (Capt.), Steven Smith, Brad Haddin (WK), James Faulkner, Mitchell Starc, Peter Siddle, Ryan Harris & Nathan Lyon.
James Faulkner will become the 435th player to represent Australia in Tests
Australia will hope to restrict England’s celebration by winning the last test. However, if form is anything to go by, England is on their way to win 4-0 in the first phase of the Ashes series of 2013-14 season.
Australia will get their chance to regain the Ashes in little over 4 months down under, but Clarke would like nothing but to win the last test and go back home.
