With the Ashes already secured inside just 12 days of cricket, Australia do not have much to aim for as they take on England in the fourth Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground. However, England can have their hopes high, for rain is expected to be a constant companion over the course of the next five days.
England will be without head coach Chris Silverwood, who has contracted Covid-19. Other than Silverwood, three other coaches are currently under self-isolation. Joe Root acknowledged the difficulty his side has been facing in the absence of regular support staff. Graham Thorpe has filled in as the head coach for the Sydney Test.
England are going with the same set of batters that got floored for 68 on Day 3 at Melbourne. Among the bowlers, Ollie Robinson will miss out due to a shoulder injury, will be replaced by Stuart Broad. James Anderson, Mark Wood, and Ben Stokes are two other pacers, while Jack Leach is the sole spinner.
Australia, on the other hand, have included Usman Khawaja in their playing XI, for Travis Head, who has tested positive for Covid-19. This will be his first Test match in over two years. Josh Hazlewood and Jhye Richardson will miss out due to injuries, while Scott Boland has retained his place.
Playing XIs
Australia: David Warner, Marcus Harris, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Usman Khawaja, Cam Green, Alex Carey (wk), Pat Cummins(c), Mitchell Starc, Scott Boland, Nathan Lyon
England: Rory Burns, Haseeb Hameed, Dawid Malan, Joe Root(c), Ben Stokes, Jonny Bairstow, Jos Buttler (wk), Mark Wood, Stuart Broad, Jack Leach, James Anderson
Betway Fantasy Tips
- Warner and Smith are must-haves for your team. From England, Root is the best batting option.
- Among wicket-keepers, pick Buttler over Carey and Bairstow.
- Cummins, Broad, and Boland are ideal bowling options.
Fantasy XI:
David Warner, Steven Smith, Joe Root, Haseeb Hameed, Usman Khawaja, Jos Buttler, Ben Stokes, Pat Cummins, Stuart Broad, Scott Boland, Cameron Green (c).