Ashes 2013
Seconds Out! Round Four!
August 9th
[08:30 CEST]
The bookies still have England hot favourites to win the 4th Test,
although slightly less so than in the previous Tests, with an Australian win
the least fancied of the three results. A CricInfo poll also suggests that
almost 80% of respondents think that the series will end 3-1, 3-0 or 4-0. For
England a 4-0 result would be important as it would push them, at least
briefly, up into 2nd place again in the ICC Test rankings, albeit a
long way behind the runaway leaders South Africa, whose lead is reaching “Australia
2000” proportions.
For England,
a good showing in the 4th Test is vital. The 3rd Test
ended with Australia’s self-belief re-kindled and suggestions that England were
very lucky to be ahead in the series when it could/should (delete to taste)
have been 2-1 to Australia. If Australia win the 4th Test the series
will be alive going to The Oval and that return series in Australia will start
to look very tough. In contrast, an England win would stamp the foot straight
back onto the Australian throat and proclaim, loudly, that Old Trafford was
just a fluke.
The weather
for the match is expected to be dry throughout, with just a small chance of
some isolated showers on Days 3, 4 and 5, but nothing that should preclude a
result. It certainly looks like a “win the toss and bat” scenario.
We will see.
If Australia win the toss and bat it looks like a great scenario to keep their
momentum from Old Trafford going. England need to start incisively and
desperately need a big opening stand, or some early wickets to wrestle back the
initiative.
[09:00 CEST]
Grey and drizzling. Not what was expected. Interesting!
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