Associated Press
Nottingham, August 5: Many pre-series predictions had Trent Bridge as the ground where the Ashes would be clinched. Few, though, guessed it would be England heading to the fourth Test here Thursday with the famous urn within reach.
An oscillating, unpredictable series swung back England’s way with an eight-wicket win inside three days at Edgbaston last week, putting the hosts 2-1 up against Australia. One victory for the English in the final two matches will see them regain the Ashes.
The momentum is on England’s side – although that may not be a reliable guide. The team’s record over the last seven tests reads as follows: W, L, W, L, W, L, W. No other team in Test history has registered such a bizarre sequence.
“We are consistently the most inconsistent side,” England bowler Stuart Broad said. “We have to change that.” If they succeed in doing so at Trent Bridge, England will have won a fourth straight Ashes series on home soil. That’s no mean feat considering the Australians arrived in Britain in June as the heavy favourites and still buoyant from a 5-0 whitewash of their old foes Down Under 18 months ago.
However, cracks are appearing in what was initially viewed as a tight unit. Players are struggling for form with the bat – notably captain Michael Clarke, and paceman Mitchell Johnson is not being able to carry the bowling attack.
Australia showed their class in a 405-run win in the second Test, but were thrashed in the first and third Tests. “We need to really improve in this game. It’s like a grand final for us,” said Johnson.
Trent Bridge is known to be a swing bowler’s paradise, which makes the absence of injured paceman Jimmy Anderson all the more tough for England. “It’s a massive loss for them,” Johnson said about Anderson’s absence.
Mark Wood is likely to replace Anderson after having treatment on an ankle injury that ruled him out of the Edgbaston test. Wood practiced in the nets Monday and Tuesday, and a late decision will be made on his fitness. Liam Plunkett and uncapped left-armer Mark Footitt are other pace options for England.
Adam Lyth will retain his place as opening batsman, despite only averaging 12 this series and looking tentative outside his off-stump.
Australia may opt for a change in personnel, with Peter Siddle potentially returning to the bowling attack and Adam Voges’ place may be taken up by Shaun Marsh.
