England vs Australia 5th Test Ashes 2019: Steve Smith vs Stuart Broad and Other Exciting Mini Battles to Watch Out for in London

The 5th Test of Ashes 2019 has become a fight for pride for the hosts England. With 1-2 down in the Ashes 2019 after four Test matches, England have the last chance to level Ashes 2019 series. Australia have totally outclassed the hosts in the 1st and 4th Test, owning to great knocks by Steve Smith. With the 5th and final Test of Ashes 2019 starting from Thursday, September 12 at Kennington Oval in London, England will be aiming to make a comeback. On the other hand, Australia will be seeking to win the Ashes 2019 series by extending their lead. England and Australia account for a big rivalry in Ashes and some mini-battles during the matches become nail-biting for cricket fans. Here we will look at some such thrilling mini-battles which will be worth to look out for during England vs Australia, Ashes 2019 5th Test. Ashes 2019, 5th Test Match Preview: Australia Aims to Script History at Oval While England Set to Play for Pride. 

The England vs Australia, 4th Test witnessed Australia dominating from the first innings itself. Australia declared the first innings with mammoth 497-8 on the scoreboard and then placed a huge 383-run target for the hosts in the second innings. England were bowled out for 197 in the 2nd innings and their hopes of winning the Ashes 2019 went in vain. Australia, the defending champions of Ashes, retained the cricket tournament with a 2-1 lead after four Tests. Dream11 Team ENG vs AUS Predictions: Tips to Select Best All-Rounders, Batsmen, Bowlers & Wicket-Keepers for England vs Australia Ashes 2019 5th Test Match. 

Ashes 2019 5th Test Preview

Steve Smith vs Stuart Broad

Steve Smith, with 671 runs in just five innings in Ashes 2019, has become the biggest nightmare for England. His individual batting knocks have enabled Australia to win the first as well as the fourth Test. Smith has already smashed three centuries (144, 142 and 211) and two fifties (92 and 82) in the five innings he batted. As no England bowlers have been able to outplay him totally, Stuart Broad is the most experienced and senior bowler to take this duty in the 5th Test. With James Anderson already out due to injury, England will expect Broad to take the responsibility to beat Steve Smith.

Mitchell Starc vs Ben Stokes

The rivalry between Ben Stokes and Mitchell Starc is a little old. Both the players have tried to outplay each other in Ashes 2019 as well. While Stokes won in the third Test after taking England to historic victory with his 135-run knock, Starc levelled the score by dismissing England all-rounder in the 4th Test. In the 5th Test at The Oval, while Stokes will aim to create history again by helping England to level the series, Starc will look to dominate him with his powerful pace attack.

Pat Cummins vs Rory Burns

Rory Burns is the best in-form England batsman to bank upon at present. Burns is the leading run-scorer for England with 323 runs in 8 innings. He has also smashed one century and two half-centuries (133, 53 and 81) in Ashes 2019 so far. He can be a great contributor for England in the batting zone in the 5th Test. Australian pacer Pat Cummins will seek to halt Burns from going big. The top-ranked Test bowler is the leading wicket-taker in Ashes 2019 with 24 wickets. He has the strength to suppress England opener Burns from going great with his bat.

These mini-battles will be very interesting moments during the match. The battles between these players will not just be played with bat and ball, but also with the words. Sledging and war of words have also become very important tools for Australia and England players in Ashes 2019. The 'fights with words' will add up to the already rising rivalry between both the Ashes rivals.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 11, 2019 05:22 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).