2015 Ashes: England vs Australia 4th Test Preview
If the 2015 Ashes were a pendulum, the swinging fortunes would put any clock to shame. England and Australia chose to surprise and stun their supporters in equal measure over the first three Test matches, and it would take a very brave heart to predict what could be the next result – but we will try in our latest cricket betting tips article.
Australia landed on English shores with high hopes of winning Ashes for the first time in England since 2001. Michael Clarke was expected to lead an aggressive, powerful unit to erase 14 years of unhappy recent history in England. The start at Cardiff was bad but the team bounced back with an astonishing win at Lord’s.
The crushing win in the second Test suddenly made Australia the favorites for the urn. Cometh Edgbaston, cometh the fall! The visitors were embarrassed within three days and suddenly all the pressure is back on the Aussies.
This makes the match all the more crucial because one more slip and the Ashes are gone for Clarke. His personal form with the willow has left much to be desired. Although he is the first person to acknowledge that, Clarke knows that nothing less than runs will satisfy the critics.
Adam Voges could make way for Shaun Marsh and that may mean Clarke slotting back at number five to rediscover his form. There are concerns on the bowling front too. Clarke would have loved to have Ryan Harris’ control at this point. Since he’s already retired, Clarke may look at slotting Peter Siddle in place of Josh Hazelwood or the erratic Mitchell Starc.
England is on cloud nine and would want to continue their recent-found aggressiveness. England have alternated between winning and losing in the last seven matches. And they also have to cope with the absence of James Anderson. The Poms won just two out of eight tests that Anderson missed in the last eight years. On the back of that statistic, the bookies have seen the Aussies smashed in the betting markets with $2.05 at Sportsbet the best price you’ll find at the moment for an Aussie victory.
Cause of optimism for the Aussies? Not exactly because Australia haven’t won at this venue since 2001 and England haven’t lose here since 2007. Stuart Broad (pictured) has been the consistent bowler across both sides and would love the additional onus of leading the attack. At odds of $3.50 at Sportsbet, he is expected to be the best England bowler.
Australia hopes that England swing back to their routine loss following a win. None of the matches so far have made it to the fifth day, which indicates that another result is expected at Trent Bridge on what may be another lively pitch.
Will it be England who will blink this time? Or, will Australia find inspiration to script another win to force a decider? Thursday will unravel all this and much more.
