The Ashes cricket scores: England vs Australia 4th Test, Day 1 live scores, blog

Australia will be looking to bounce back at Old Trafford when they take on England in the fourth Test of the 2019 Ashes series. Join The Roar for live scores and a blog of Day 1, starting from 8pm (AEST).

There is no denying Headingley was a blow for Tim Paine’s side. They did so much right, but ended up losing a Test match which they should have won comfortably.

The unbeaten century from Ben Stokes in the final innings of the match must be applauded, which ultimately won England the game and tied the series at 1-1. It will go down as one of the most remarkable knocks in Test cricket.

It would have taken a few days for Paine’s side to get over the defeat, as an Australian victory would have ensured the Ashes were retained.

However, the vibe coming out of the tourists’ dressing room appears to be positive, which is a good sign.

The reality for Paine’s side is that they only have to draw the series to retain the Ashes, which therefore means the pressure is entirely on England.

In team news for the fourth Test, England have announced an XI before the toss of the coin. Craig Overton will play in favour of Chris Woakes, which has come as a bit of a shock to some.

James Anderson will play no further part in the 2019 Ashes after a recurrence of a calf injury, which ultimately led to Overton being called into the squad for the fourth Test of the series.

In terms of the batting order, Jason Roy will drop down to number four, as Joe Denly has been given the task of opening.

As for Australia, Steve Smith will return to the starting XI, as he has overcome the concussion suffered in the second Test at Lord’s.

It’s a huge inclusion for Paine’s side, as he has accumulated 378 runs from just three innings.

Smith scored 23 runs from 38 deliveries in the tour match against Derbyshire last week, which ensured he is fit to play at Old Trafford.

Usman Khawaja, who has scored 122 runs from six innings over the first three Test matches, will be the man who makes way for Smith.

James Pattinson will also drop out of the XI that took to the field at Headingley, as there are concerns whether his body will be able to play back-to-back Test matches.

Mitchell Starc is a chance to play for the first time in the series, as he has been included in the 12-man squad. Australia’s XI will be announced at the toss.

Prediction
Despite what happened at Headingley, Australia were the better side, and have been for the majority of the series.

With Smith returning, one can see Australia securing a victory at Old Trafford and retaining the Ashes.

However, the only concern in regards to the result at Old Trafford is the fact that there is rain forecasted over the course of the five days.

But, if the rain stays away, Australia will retain the Ashes in Manchester.

Join The Roar for live scores and a blog of Day 1, starting from 8pm (AEST).

Game information

First ball: 8pm (AEST)
Venue: Old Trafford, Manchester
TV: Live, Nine Network
Online: Live, 9Now
Betting: England $2.50, Draw $3.40, Australia $2.80
Umpires: Kumar Dharmasena, Marais Erasmus

England (XI)
Rory Burns, Joe Denly, Joe Root (c), Jason Roy, Ben Stokes, Jonny Bairstow (w), Jos Buttler, Craig Overton, Jofra Archer, Stuart Broad, Jack Leach. 

Australia (squad)
Tim Paine (capt), Pat Cummins, Marcus Harris, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Peter Siddle, Steven Smith, Mitchell Starc, Matthew Wade, David Warner.