4 minutes England and Australia face off again this week in the fourth test of a hugely entertaining Ashes series.
England’s brilliant third test win at Headlingley leaves the series finely poised with Australia heading to Old Trafford holding a 2-1 advantage. As we look forward to the fourth test, here at betting.bet you can find the very best odds and cricket free bets, courtesy of our betting partners at BoyleSports.
Ashes Series Recap
After three tests, Australia lead the series 2-1 as they aim to retain the famous Ashes urn for a fourth consecutive series. In the series opener, Australia claimed a two-wicket victory at Edgbaston. England looked in complete control on day one at Edgbaston but many people they declared too early having scored 393/8 in their first innings. Australia responded with a score of 386 before bowling England out for 273 in their second innings. Australia reached their target with two wickets to spare. Usman Khawaja recorded Australia’s highest batting score in both innings, scoring an impressive 141 in the first innings before hitting 65 in his second spell at the crease.
Australia claimed the first two tests of an Ashes series in England for the first time since 2001 after another dramatic test at Lord’s. Ben Stokes’ heroic efforts were in vain as England slumped to a 43-run defeat, despite Stokes stunning 155 in the second innings.
Trailing 2-0, England travelled to Headingley knowing that another loss would see Australia retain the Ashes with two tests to spare. Mark Wood was amongst three players brought into the England lineup and the 33-year-old blitzed through the Australian batters, recording bowling figures of 5/34. England won by three wickets.
Australia Record at Old Trafford
Old Trafford has been used as an Ashes venue on 32 previous occasions. England have been victorious on seven occasions whilst the visitors have won eight times. The 17 draws at the Lancashire ground is the highest number of any Ashes venue.
The most recent Ashes test match to be played at Old Trafford was the fourth test back in 2019. Australia won by 185 runs to retain the Ashes.
Team News
40-year-old, Lancashire star, James Anderson returns to the England team at his home ground having been rested for the third test. Anderson replaces Ollie Robinson in England’s only change. Moeen Ali will once again bat at three having been moved up the order for England’s second innings at Edgbaston. Harry Brook dropped down the order from third to fifth for that successful third test, second innings and he’ll retain that position in England’s batting order this week.
Australia may opt to ditch opener, David Warner when their team is announced. Warner scored just five runs across both innings at Headingley.
Mitchell Marsh scored a century at Headingley as he deputised for the injured Cameron Green. Marsh should keep his place at Old Trafford.
Betting Tips
Australia know that a draw at Old Trafford will be enough to see them retain the Ashes. This puts the visitors in a tricky position. Do they put England to the sword and go all out for the win or will they adopt a more pragmatic approach and ensure they do not throw the test away? England have no such dilemma; nothing but a win will do at Old Trafford. With the hosts set to come out firing, their opening batsmen are both solid options at 5/6 to score over 24.5 runs in their first innings.
James Anderson could be set to play his last test match at Old Trafford this week. However, England’s all-time top wicket taker struggled in the first two tests and the hosts may look to another test stalwart to lead their bowling charge. Stuart Broad is the leading wicket taker so far in the series with 16 wickets. Broad is excellent value at 5/2 to be England’s top bowler.
Mitchell Starc has taken 13 wickets in the series despite bowling just 68.3 overs. If Starc is given a prolonged period with ball in hand he could make real light work of the 2/1 available for him to be Australia’s top wicket taker in the first innings. Additionally, Starc is 5/1 to be the top wicket taker overall in the first innings. Starc is also worth considering at 11/2 to take five wickets in the first innings.
Ashes Fourth Test Odds
Match betting
- England: 5/4
- Draw: 16/5
- Australia: 6/4
Top overall run scorer (first innings)
- Steve Smith: 4/1
- Joe Root: 9/2
- Ben Stokes: 13/2
- Marnus Labuschagne: 13/2
- Usman Khawaja: 7/1
- Harry Brook: 8/1
- Jonny Bairstow: 9/1
- Travis Head: 9/1
Top overall wicket taker (first innings)
- Pat Cummins: 4/1
- Mitchell Starc: 5/1
- Mark Wood: 11/2
- Stuart Broad: 11/2
- Josh Hazlewood: 7/1
- Scott Boland: 7/1
First innings lead
- England: 4/5
- Australia: 10/11
Player of the match
- Steve Smith: 6/1
- Joe Root: 6/1
- Ben Stokes: 8/1
- Pat Cummins: 8/1
- Mark Wood: 9/1
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