England v Australia fourth Ashes Test predictions and cricket betting tips

Where to watch England v Australia

Sky Sports Cricket & Main Event, 11am Wednesday

Best bets

Harry Brook top England first-innings runscorer
1pt 5-1 Coral, Ladbrokes

Mitchell Starc top Australia first-innings wicket-taker
2pts 3-1 Betfair, Paddy Power

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England v Australia predictions

In 2019 Ben Stokes led England to a stunning one-wicket victory in the third Ashes Test at Headingley but Australia hit back with a thumping 185-run win at Old Trafford.

Four years on, England are aiming to avoid a similar fate. They arrive in Manchester trailing 2-1 after another stirring Leeds triumph – by the relatively comfortable margin of three wickets this time – and their fast bowlers will be eager for a crack at Australia's batsmen.

The gripping nature of this series is reflected by the betting for the fourth Test. England, buzzing after the Mark Wood-inspired win at Headingley, are narrow favourites but Australia, who started their English summer with a comprehensive victory against India in the World Test Championship final, are unlikely to panic.

The weather forecast may cheer the Aussies as Mancunian rain looks likely to disrupt play on Saturday and Sunday, days four and five of the Test.

Draw backers have had a tough time since Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum took charge of England, whose last 16 Tests have produced 12 wins, four defeats and no stalemates.

The context of the match means England must press for a positive result to set up a decider at The Oval and the selection of Moeen Ali to bat at number three suggests they are unlikely to temper their aggressive approach with the series on the line.

It is hard to find an edge in the match betting at Old Trafford. England should have won at Edgbaston and could have won at Lord's, but ended up losing both Tests, while Australia had them on the ropes at 171-6 chasing 251 on the final day at Headingley.

England have named their team, with local hero James Anderson joining Stuart Broad, Chris Woakes and Wood in a vastly experienced bowling unit, and Harry Brook returning to his usual berth at number five.

Brook should be buoyed by his vital 75 in the run-chase at Headingley and he is worth backing to top-score in England's first innings. The youngster started the series in frantic style but still made 32 and 46 at Edgbaston and 50 in the first innings at Lord's. 

His second innings in Leeds was a far more controlled effort, befitting a player who averages 64.25 after ten Tests, although he and his fellow batters will be wary of the threat posed by Mitchell Starc.

The left-armer should keep his place in the Australia side after taking 13 wickets in the last two Tests, including five of the seven to fall in England's second innings at Headingley.

Starc has enjoyed his previous Ashes visits to Old Trafford, dismissing Alastair Cook, Kevin Pietersen and Jonny Bairstow in England's first innings in 2013 and Stokes, Bairstow and Broad four years ago, and his ability to mop up the tail could be vital for the Aussies.

Team news

England
James Anderson has replaced Ollie Robinson in the only change to the 11 who played in the third Test. With Ollie Pope injured, Moeen Ali will bat at number three and Harry Brook drops down to five.

Australia
David Warner is expected to keep his place at the top of the order and Mitchell Marsh cemented his position with a century at Headingley. All-rounder Cameron Green is fit again and could come in for spinner Todd Murphy.

Weather forecast

Days one and two should be cloudy but dry. Scattered showers are forecast for day three with heavy rain on days four and five. Temperatures range from 16C to 19C.

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