England will square off against Australia in the 4th Test of Ashes 2019. The action will take place at Old Trafford Cricket Ground in Manchester. Ahead of the 4th Test scheduled to begin from Sep 4, 2019, Australia has named 12 players with whom they will enter this match. Australian batsman Usman Khawaja is all set to be dropped to make a place for Steve Smith. While Mitchell Starc might be included in the playing XI, as James Pattinson is likely to be left out. Ashes 2019, 3rd Test Match Report: Ben Stokes Stars as England Beat Australia by One Wicket to Win Third Test at Headingley.
Australia needs to win the upcoming 4th Test to retain Ashes 2019, as if they win, they will then lead the 5 match series by 2-1. Australia lost the last Test at Headingley Cricket Ground by just one wicket, as Ben Stokes played an unbeaten knock of 135 runs and formed 76 runs 10th wicket partnership with Jack Leach to take him team out from the jaws of defeat.
Usman Khawaja will be dropped from the side for the first time in almost 2 years. He has played consecutively 20 Test Matches for Australia and now will be left out for the game in Manchester. Khawaja has averaged 20.33 in six innings this campaign, with four scores between 13 and 40.
Australia XII for the 4th Test: David Warner, Marcus Harris, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Travis Head, Matt Wade, Tim Paine (c, wk), Pat Cummins, Peter Siddle, Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Josh Hazlewood.
Steve Smith who suffered an injury during 2nd Test as he was hit on his neck by the bouncer bowled by Jofra Archer has recovered. He is all set to make a comeback in the upcoming 4th Test at Old Trafford Cricket Ground. Speaking about pacers Mitchell Starc will most probably replace James Pattinson who bagged total 3 wickets in the last Test Match against England.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 03, 2019 09:24 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).