Ashes 2023 are underway, and hosts are down by 2-1. Australia is leading the charts, now looking to claim the series by adding a win at Old Trafford Cricket Ground. England, however, are determined to win again so that the series is balanced for the final encounter.
Ashes 2023 is a set of five tests being played between England and Australia. Following the test series, England will play New Zealand in the T20 format.
Until then, it is imperative for them to clinch Ashes 2023 by winning the remaining two tests against the Aussies, the winners of the World Test Championship 2023. Australia began the tour with a 2-wicket victory at Edgbaston. That was a near victory, but what followed was a clear sign that the formidable side was not backing down without taking the trophy home. Lord’s experienced the action of the second installment, also their victory by 43 runs.
It was then up to the hosts to bounce back. England won the event at Headingley by 3 wickets to keep the hopes alive. All eyes are now on the third test, where the English army has the final chance to stay alive in Ashes 2023.
Preparations are obviously being made, and a set of changes have been announced as well. Ben Stokes will have James Anderson back instead of Ollie Robinson. The latter appeared in the third test and delivered 11.2 overs before sustaining a back spasm. Speculation over his return made some noise since he was one of the most economical bowlers in the first innings.
His spell gave away 38 runs at 3.35 with one maiden over included. He had no wicket, yet he managed to keep the opponents silent while tackling their strategic aggression. Mark Wood has been retained. He picked up a total of 7 wickets in the previous installment. Usman Khawaja and Alex Carey were notable victims of the right-arm fast bowler. Three more wickets will see him land a century in his international test career.
Ollie did express his willingness to play in the fourth test. Management decided to take another road for safety purposes. Makes sense. Injuries can come back to haunt a player – India’s Jasprit Bumrah is one example. The bowler has been out of action for a long time despite making a small appearance a few months ago. He is now set to return. Ollie has a few more days to go.
Old Trafford Cricket Ground is known to be a batter’s pitch. Both teams have almost the same chances of winning the fourth test of Ashes 2023. If records are anything to go by, then the best online cricket betting sites will incline toward the team that wins the toss first and elects to bat. The reason is, opting to bat first gives the team a chance to put up a higher score.
The average score at the said pitch in the first inning is 332. It slips down to 270 in the second inning. Also, spinners become more effective as days pass by at Old Trafford Cricket Ground. The event begins on July 19, 2023, and concludes on July 23, 2023.
