England vs Australia, 4th Test: Dream11 Fantasy Cricket Tips – Playing XI, Pitch Report & Injury Update

Match Details:

The fourth Ashes Test between England and Australia will be played at Emirates Old Trafford in Manchester.

The match starts at 11:00 AM local time (3:30 PM IST) (10:00 AM GMT).

This game will be live on Sony Six and Sony Six HD in India. Live streaming will be available on Sony LIV.

Preview

After three Tests of the Ashes, there’s not much to separate England and Australia. The series is currently level at 1-1 and both teams will be looking for a victory in the fourth Test and take an unassailable lead. The Aussies didn’t have Steve Smith in the last game at the Headingley in Leeds, but despite that Tim Paine and Co were in a great position. But Ben Stokes spoiled the visitors’ party.

Had the Aussies won the match, they could’ve retained the trophy. The good news for them is that Smith is back for the next game and he has to deliver if Paine’s men are to topple the Brits. The Three Lions have had their fair share of travails as well. Jason Roy is likely to bat at four after failing as an opener. While the Aussies announced a 12-man squad, the Brits have put forth their playing eleven.

Weather Report

The weather for the game doesn’t look promising by any means. There are forecasts of a downpour on all five days, which suggests that there could be a number of interruptions. The clouds will dominate and the sun won’t be making its way out frequently. The temperature will be on the cooler side with the numbers mostly around the 15 and 16 degrees Celsius.

Pitch Condition

The pitch is predicted to be the fastest and bounciest of the series. It means that the fast bowlers will stay interested throughout. Also, in the first three Tests, the conditions were a little dry. If there’s not much grass, then the spinners will also come into play, especially in the last couple of days. In the first look, the strip looked a tad on the darker side.

Probable Playing XIs:

England (Playing XI) 

Rory Burns, Joe Denly, Joe Root (C), Jason Roy, Jonny Bairstow (WK), Ben Stokes, Jos Buttler, Craig Overton, Stuart Broad, Jofra Archer, Jack Leach,

Bench: Chris Woakes, Sam Curran

Australia

David Warner, Marcus Harris, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Travis Head, Matthew Wade, Tim Paine (C & WK ), Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc/Peter Siddle, Josh Hazlewood, Nathan Lyon.

Bench: Mitchell Starc/ Peter Siddle

Team News

(Will be added when there’s an update).

Top Picks

Ben Stokes is currently England’s leading run-scorer (327 @ 81.75) and also has eight wickets to his name. He should be a must in the lineup.

Marnus Labuschagne has played only three innings and has scored 213 runs @ 71. In all the three instances, he scored half-centuries under pressure.

Captain and Vice-Captain Selection:

Captain Options: Ben Stokes, Joe Denly, Marnus Labuschagne

Vice-Captain Options: Steve Smith, Pat Cummins, Stuart Broad

Suggested Playing XI for Head to Head/Small Leagues:

Keeper – Jonny Bairstow

Batsmen – Steve Smith (VC), Marcus Harris, Rory Burns, Joe Denly

All-Rounders – Marnus Labuschagne, Ben Stokes (C)

Bowlers – Josh Hazlewood, Pat Cummins, Stuart Broad, Jofra Archer

Suggested Playing XI for Grand Leagues/Mega Leagues:

Keeper – Tim Paine, Jos Buttler

Batsmen – Steve Smith, Marcus Harris, Joe Denly (C), Joe Root

All-Rounders – Marnus Labuschagne, Ben Stokes

Bowlers – Nathan Lyon, Pat Cummins (VC), Stuart Broad

Expert Advice:

In the batsman’s category, no one apart from Steve Smith has shown consistency. Hence pick the others wisely, three being the minimum. Joe Denly and Joe Root (if there are enough credits) are the best options among others.

Probable Winners:

England is likely to win the game and take the lead.

*Disclaimer: This team is based on the understanding, analysis and instinct of the author. While selecting your team, consider the points mentioned and make your own decision.