The Ashes, England vs Australia, 5th Test, Kennington Oval, Live Streaming, ENG v AUS
A resounding victory for Australia at Leeds has squared the series and the sides head to The Oval for the 5th and final test which gets under way on Thursday.
Before we take a look at the statistics, the team news for England is that the only change to the squad is Monty Panesar or Ravi Bopari meaning Johnathan Trott is likely to make his debut. Flintoff and Anderson are expected to be fit. Australia opted to go for an all seam attack at Leeds and their main decision would be who to omit should Nathan Hauritz return.
The Venue, The Oval
England have played 10 test matches at The Oval in the last decade winning 5, drawing 3 and losing 2. The 2005 Ashes test at this venue was drawn with played called off as Australia had just started their 2nd innings needing 342 for victory. The draw clinched the Ashes for England and sparked wild celebrations. Ian Bell failed to score in both innings which will perhaps be playing on his mind should he be selected for this decider whilst Freddie Flintoff was named man of the match after taking 5 Aussie wickets in their 1st innings.
The last test match on this ground saw England beat South Africa last year though the Proteas had already clinched the series. In 2007 England and India played out a draw after India had posted 664 in their first innings which included a century from Anil Kumble. That tells you plenty about the nature of the wicket here when conditions are good and it presents a dilemma for England and the ground staff concerning what type of wicket is prepared this year. England have to win to get the Ashes back and a batsman’s paradise may not be the way to go with England’s spinners hardly troubling the Aussies at Cardiff when the seamers battled on a good batting track.
The Weather
The English summer has already had a significant role in this series after rain decimated the 3rd test so keep an eye on the forecast .
Series Statistics
For those who like to look at the stats perhaps with a view to a punt in the top bat and top bowler markets for each innings, here is an update.
Most Runs: Australia have 5 of the top 6 run makers in the series with Michael Clarke out in front with 445. Marcus North (349) and Ponting (311) also feature prominently. Andrew Strauss (344) is easily England’s leading run scorer.
Most Wickets: Ben Hilfenhaus leads the way with 18 wickets but Mitchell Johnson and Peter Siddle had a good 4th test and both have 16 each. GreatOdds make Hilfenhaus odds on at 4/5 to finish top Aussie series bowler but an inspired performance from Johnson 9/4 or Siddle 7/2 could still see them take over. The fortunes of Stuart Broad also turned at Leeds and he has joined James Anderson as England’s leading wicket taker, the pair both having 12 victims to date. GreatOdds make Anderson slight favourite to finish as England’s leading taker. Swann has been a disappointment with just 6 wickets all series.
Verdict
Despite the absence of Flintoff at Leeds, England were hardly in the game and it will need some turnaround in form for the series to take another twist. England have to force the issue, a draw will see Australia retain The Ashes.
