The Ashes fourth Test preview, prediction
Any lingering hopes England had of competing for the Ashes were extinguished in Adelaide, where Australia wrapped up a third straight Test win to secure the series with two matches still to play. Despite flashes of resistance with the bat, England were ultimately outplayed across all five days, continuing a familiar pattern of collapses and missed opportunities that has defined their tour.
Ben Stokes’ side showed improved discipline with the ball in the first innings of the third Test, but once again failed to apply sustained pressure when it mattered most. Australia’s middle order made England pay, with contributions throughout the lineup underlining the gulf between the two sides. England are expected to make changes once more in search of a spark, with rotation likely as fatigue begins to show in a long and bruising tour.
Australia, by contrast, head to Melbourne in buoyant mood. Pat Cummins’ men have looked increasingly assured as the series has progressed, combining relentless pace bowling with an increasingly ruthless batting unit. Having already retained the Ashes, there may be talk of rotation, but Australia are unlikely to take their foot off the gas at a venue where they traditionally dominate. With the Boxing Day Test carrying its own prestige, the hosts will be keen to maintain momentum and push England closer to a whitewash.
From a series perspective, the focus has now shifted firmly to whether England can avoid a clean sweep. With confidence drained and consistency hard to come by, the tourists face an uphill battle to prevent Australia from extending their dominance in Melbourne and Sydney.
Cian Cheesbrough of Ladbrokes said:
Australia have been a class apart all series, and with the Ashes already secured, the signs point towards them finishing the job in ruthless fashion. England are playing for pride now, but the momentum is firmly with the hosts.
