The fifth and final Ashes Test gets underway this Friday from Hobart with the Aussies looking to wrap up the series with a win.
Tasmanians have had this date circled on their calendar ever since it was announced they would receive the Fifth Test late last year, but it’s fair to say Blundstone Arena hasn’t been all that kind to Australia in the past.
The hosts suffered a humiliating loss to South Africa last time they played here in 2016, largely due to an unpredictable wicket that has been notoriously tough on batters.
Can Australia get the monkey off their back and secure a 4-0 series win, or will England build on last week’s draw in Sydney?
Find out who we’re tipping in our Fifth Ashes Test Preview below!
Australia
Aside from the weather, just about everything went right for the Aussies in Sydney.
The most popular man in the country, Scott Boland, proved his six-for in Melbourne was no fluke with seven combined wickets, while Usman Khawaja stole the show with a twin ton in his return to Test cricket.
If it wasn’t for the rain Australia would have won the Fourth Test convincingly and it’s no surprise to find Justin Langer’s side as the short-priced favourite heading into the final match of the series on Friday.
From a selection standpoint, there are a few changes to note, though.
Boland looks likely to miss the final Test after suffering a fall last week, meaning there’s a strong chance we see Jhye Richardson return to the side.
Meanwhile, there are more pressing matters through the middle order.
Travis Head is set to return from COVID, but his admission could come at the expense of the in-form Khawaja.
The obvious answer is to bat Khawaja at the top of the order in place of the struggling Marcus Harris, but it’s fair to say that is a short-term solution to a long-term problem.
Either way, Australia has proven right throughout this series that they have enough depth to overcome any problems, and with England barely surviving last week, it’s hard to see the hosts not wrapping up the series with a win.
England
Mother Nature helped England to a draw in Sydney, but for the first time all summer, there were some obvious positives to draw from their performance.
Half-centuries from Ben Stokes and Zak Crawley put England in a position to avoid moving one step closer to a sweep, while Jonny Barstow’s century from just 41 balls also went a long way to securing the draw.
The visitors will be kicking themselves they didn’t play Stuart Broad in Brisbane after he took care of David Warner in the first innings on his way to a huge five-wicket haul.
Broad will be relied upon heavily again in Hobart, but England also has to be encouraged by Jack Leach’s return to form after tacking four wickets on day four.
Like Australia, England also has some selection drama to address.
Injuries to Jos Buttler and Jonny Bairstow has left them short at keeper, paving the way for Sam Billings to join up with the squad off T20 duties with the Sydney Thunder.
England’s play with the bat in the Fourth Test was much-improved, but the hot and cold moments with the ball in hand continue to be a problem.
Just when it looks like the visitors are on top, they suffer a big blow in the form of a century from the likes of Marnus Labuschagne or Khawaja, largely due to dropped chances and costly mistakes.
Unless they can capture and hold momentum early, this looks like another long five days ahead.
Match Betting
This has been a disastrous tour for England in more ways than one.
The overall talent level hasn’t come close to matching that of Australia’s, and some questionable decision-making from selectors, and captain Joe Root, really hasn’t helped matters.
The weatherman appears to be on England’s side again with showers forecast in Hobart, but unless there’s enough rain to stop play like there was in Sydney, it’s hard to get on board with any kind of upset from the visitors.
Test cricket hasn’t been played in Tassie since 2016, but the Hobart wicket has always been a nightmare for batters.
That poses some challenges for Australia, let alone an England side that struggled for runs on a similar kind of surface in Brisbane.
Tip: Back Australia to Win @ $1.73
Australia Top 1st Innings Runscorer
Tip: David Warner @ $4.33
Bet Now: Australia Top 1st Innings Runscorer
England Top 1st Innings Runscorer
Tip: Ben Stokes @ $6.00
Bet Now: England Top 1st Innings Runscorer
Australia Top 1st Innings Wicket Taker
Tip: Pat Cummins @ $3.00
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England Top 1st Innings Wicket Taker
Tip: Stuart Broad @ $3.75
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