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Australia can still win the fifth Test

Zenn new author
Roar Rookie
15th September, 2019
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Zenn new author
Roar Rookie
15th September, 2019
20

The fifth and final Ashes Test cannot be drawn. Rain is not forecast.

The best case scenario is Australia will be batting for at least five sessions chasing a figure around 400. Of course, England could score enough for a lead up to 450. England will instruct Jofra Archer and Stuart Broad to open up their shoulders and score quickly. Jack Leach will hold up his end.

However, it is reasonable to assume that Broad and Archer are jaded if the Australian bowlers are tired, Old Trafford celebrations notwithstanding. England are without Ben Stokes with the ball. Nevertheless they retain five bowlers.

Australia need to develop a plan to win the final Ashes Test.

This provides the maligned Australian batsmen with an opportunity for redemption.

David Warner and Marcus Harris’ initial goal should be to bat through to lunch. Both need scores to justify their retention in the team, and must play long innings based on their successful batting prior to the Ashes. There is no need to rush. Batting through to lunch means that the openers blunt the English attack twice. The Test is all but lost if Steve Smith is in before lunch.

David Warner

(Photo by Ashley Vlotman/Gallo Images/Getty Images)

Warner is experienced enough to know his game. Justin Langer must work with him and Harris. Surrey county player Aaron Finch should be consulted about batting at the Oval.

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Marnus Labuschagne needs to play his game without attempting to copy Smith. There is time for that later. When batting with an opener they must look for singles to keep changing the strike and tiring the fieldsmen.

Smith should bat selfishly, even when batting with the tail. He should emulate Steve Waugh’s trust in the tailenders. Of course, this tail is needlessly long with the absence of James Pattinson and Mitchell Starc.

Matt Wade must curb his naturally aggressive batting to adopt a support role for Smith or Labuschagne and Mitch Marsh.

Marsh should play his natural game developed over the years on the WACA, Australia’s favourite highway.

Tim Paine’s role would be to take over the supporting gig from Wade to back up whichever batsman remains plus Pat Cummins when he bats.

Peter Siddle, Josh Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon should just hold up an end. If they’re batting, the series is as good as drawn.

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