Australia vs England, 5th Ashes Test, Match Preview, Playing XI and broadcast details

The fifth and final Test of the 2021-22 Ashes is scheduled to get underway on Friday, January 14 at the Bellerive Oval in Hobart. England have found it tough to get going in the ongoing series, having already lost the chance of winning it. But the fact that they managed to eke out a draw in the New Year’s Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground should give them a whole lot of confidence.

The game in Sydney went right down to the wire where the Brits evaded a loss after the hosts failed to pick up their last wicket on Day five. The likes of Zak Crawley, Ben Stokes and Jonny Bairstow made sure that the visiting team saved themselves from an embarrassment of a 5-0 whitewash. As far as Australia are concerned, they haven’t done much wrong and hence, are leading the series 3-0.

They have faced quite a few injury concerns during their series, but they haven’t allowed them to ruffle them. Usman Khawaja played his first Test in more than two years and he responded with back-to-back tons, although they couldn’t help Australia win. The home team has a decent record in Hobart since they have won nine out of 13 games and lost two against New Zealand and South Africa.

Playing Combinations for AUS vs ENG

Australia

Aussie skipper Pat Cummins has confirmed that Usman Khawaja will open the batting with David Warner. Travis Head will return to the team after missing the Boxing Day Test due to COVID-19. Fast bowler Scott Boland injured his ribs in Sydney and he’s an unlikely starter for the Hobart Test. Jhye Richardson had an impressive outing in the Adelaide Test and he’s likely to return.

Predicted XI: Usman Khawaja, David Warner, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Travis Head, Cameron Green, Alex Carey (wk), Pat Cummins (c), Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Scott Boland/Jhye Richardson

England

The Brits are likely to make five changes for the Hobart Test. Sam Billings is likely to be included in place of an injured Jos Buttler. Ollie Robinson, who missed the SCG Test due to a shoulder niggle, may come in place of Jack Leach. James Anderson may also make way for Chris Woakes. Ollie Pope is likely to join of Jonny Bairstow doesn’t get fit. Roy Burns may replace Haseeb Hameed.

Predicted XI: Haseeb Hameed/Rory Burns, Zak Crawley, Dawid Malan, Joe Root (c), Ben Stokes, Jonny Bairstow/Ollie Pope, Sam Billings, Mark Wood, Jack Leach/Ollie Robinson, Stuart Broad, Jimmy Anderson/Chris Woakes

Australia vs England Head-to-Head

Overall

Matches- 355, Australia – 149, England– 110, Draw – 96

In Australia

Matches- 184, Australia – 98, England– 57, Draw – 29

Australia vs England Broadcast Details

Match Timings – 08:00 AM IST

TV – Sony Sports Network

Live Streaming – Sony Liv