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.
(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.
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.
Phantom
Roar Rookie
Beaten by 135 runs on day 4. Talk about optimistic.
Zenn
Roar Rookie
Why should it be withdrawn? It was written before the end of the third innings. Australia had 399 to chase on a pitch described as a road compared to England's successful run chase of 359 at Headingley. Harris and Warner did not improve over the series. Smith appeared to still have the 'flu'. Marsh did not justify his selection as a batsman although his bowling was excellent. The inadequate opening partnership cannot rely on Smith, Labu or Warner to rescue them.
Phantom
Roar Rookie
I guess that prediction will be withdrawn now
Jeff
Roar Rookie
OK. No we can't. And we didn't. Well, actually we could have. But we blew it in every field of skills across all four innings. Disappointing end to an evenly matched series nonetheless.
Jeff
Roar Rookie
Agreed.
Jeff
Roar Rookie
Jeff, looks like they chose to put pressure on themselves. A lot of it.
Jeff
Roar Rookie
Renounce your citizenship and hand in your passport in the morning thanks.
Zenn
Roar Rookie
I can only assume that England have a copy of my cunning plan.
Roar GOAT
Roar Rookie
Very hopeful.
Nick
Roar Guru
This article's premise was based on Warner and Harris bedding in and getting a partnership going? Definition of optimism.
peter chrisp
Guest
Your joking aren't you with once again both openers out once again early.
peter chrisp
Guest
Rubbish
PeteB
Roar Rookie
Unfortunately recent past performances are the best indicator of future performance. So it has proven again with Warner and Harris.
mbp
Guest
aaron finch consulted about batting at the oval....??? justin langer and the selectors should be consult over why hes not playing.... he should have been opening with warner from day 1. and alex carey not consider either? miich stark playing only one game. we have not had our best players playing. thanks to steve smiths batting these cracks have been papered over.
Vicboy
Roar Rookie
Right hand /left hand now if Warner can hang in for a bit!
Vicboy
Roar Rookie
I would have opened with Paine and Harris. Warner cooked at the moment.
Extra Short Leg
Roar Rookie
Love to see this happen to wipe the smugness off David Gower's face but I wouldn't hold my breath.
Zenn
Roar Rookie
Thanks Jeff. I made it by 7 minutes...
Jeff
Roar Rookie
PS: Nice work coordinating the publishing of this article less than an hour out from the start of play!
Jeff
Roar Rookie
They just need to break it down into small targets. runs, hours, sessions. There is no pressure on the Australian batsmen other than what they choose to put on themselves.