Ashes 2019: Michael Vaughan predicts changes in Australia line-up for the fourth Test

The fourth Test between England and Australia of the ongoing Ashes 2019 series will begin from 4th September and will be played at the Old Trafford ground in Manchester. The series is leveled 1-1 as England came back from nowhere to win the third Test at Leeds, thanks to a one of a kind innings from Ben Stokes, whose 135* helped England chase 359 runs.

This defeat left Australia with many questions instead of them retaining the Ashes urn. Much was said of the Kangaroos’ defeat in the third Test given that they were playing without their ace batsman in Steve Smith who was ruled out due to concussion. However, he is confirmed to be returning back into the XI for the upcoming tie. For England, they have decided to move their batting order a bit to let someone else open the innings.

Michael Vaughan wants Mitchell Starc back into the Australia side

Former England captain Michael Vaughan took to Twitter in order to share what changes both the sides must make in order to have a chance to win the match and lead the five-match series as well. England team management has confirmed that the struggling Jason Roy will bat in middle-order. This means, Joe Denly, who made a fifty in Leeds’ chase, will open the innings. Vaughan stated that this will be a good move for England.

Vaughan further mentioned that the visitors must look to slot in Mitchell Starc into the team given that he picked 3/46 and 4/39 in his team’s victory over Derbyshire in the practice match a few days ago. Along with him, Vaughan wanted Mitchell Marsh to come into the team in place of Wade, given that they seemed a bowler short in Leeds and presence of Marsh lengthens the batting as well.

Vaughan tweeted, “Denly to Open .. Roy to 4 .. Good move by England .. Starc must play .. M Marsh also .. Smith back .. Australia would look stronger as well .. All to play for .. #OnOn #Ashes”

Denly to Open .. Roy to 4 .. Good move by England .. Starc must play .. M Marsh also .. Smith back .. Australia would look stronger as well .. All to play for .. #OnOn #Ashes

— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) September 2, 2019

Meanwhile, the biggest boost for the visitors will be Steve Smith coming back into the team, retaining his no.4 batting slot and it is speculated that Marcus Harris might make way for the former captain, with Usman Khawaja slated to open the innings with David Warner and Marnus Labuschagne moving to the number 3 spot.