(Info4now, January 13, 2022)- As the experience of Ben Stokes, Johnny Bairstow and Stuart Broad effected a change of approach in the fourth Test in Sidney, England somehow got some oxygen to breathe. With positive intent, young Crawley and the middle order veterans took the game to their favorable situation. They speeded up the run rate and almost tried to get to the pitches of the ball. As they to face off against Australia one final time in the Ashes in AUS vs ENG 5th Test in Hobart, injury is a problem.
For Australia, Travis Head is back and Marcus Harris to be dropped. As we discussed about the replacement in Team Australia, it’s always working. This time it’s about a return and a calculative drop. Harris is not in the best of his touch. So this particular change brings more balance in the batting unit.
Preview: AUS vs ENG 5th Test, Ashes 2021/22
Rory Burns returns to the side owing to Haseeb Hameed’s consistent failure at the start. Rory Burns has to go after the pace attack of Australia. He is very tentative in defending and the other option of attacking cricket is the only thing that can keep his position intact. Jack Crawley was fantastic in the last game. He too should continue taking on. David Malan and Joe Root are the best among the batting unit so far. They failed in Sidney, but need to come back hard.
I don’t know whether the architect of the last game, Johnny Bairstow, is fit or not. If he misses the game, England will miss him further. Ben Stokes’s back injury is another serious problem for England, but might make playing XI. Sam Billings to take gloves as he makes his debut in white tomorrow. Robinson will be back and therefore, either Jimmy Anderson or Stuart Broad will be given rest. For more batting Chris Woakes might be included in place of Jack Leach.
Australia played their last game here against South Africa and lost the contest. Kyle Abbott and Philander blew them away. This time with the pink ball, Australia must be looking either way. Mitchell Starc is the giant of the pink ball kingdom. He is just superb with comparatively full deliveries.
In the batting department, Australia are far ahead, especially after the terrific return of Usman Khawaja. Smith and Green are back with runs. So they look fantastic in both the middle order and lower middle order. Marnus Labuschagne is very sound in technique and will probably lead the scoring in AUS vs ENG 5th Test at Bellerive Oval.
To Conclude
Bellerive Oval is hosting a Test match after a long time, as beautiful WACA is excluded this time for Covid-19 concern. It’s chilly here at Bellerive Oval and the condition would suit both teams. If the weather is just favorable for Team England, the seaming condition and the pink ball will definitely haunt them throughout.
Playing XI: AUS vs ENG 5th Test, England tour of Australia 2021/22
Australia: Usman Khawaja, David Warner, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Travis Head, Alex Carey, Cameron Green, Nathan Lyon, Scott Boland/Jhye Richardson, Pat Cummins and Michell Starc.
England(Probable XI): Rory Burns, Jack Crawley, Dawid Malan, Joe Root, Ben Stokes, Johnny Bairstow/Ollie Pope, Sam Billings, Chris Woakes, Ollie Robinson, Stuart Broad and Mark Wood.