England Playing XI for 4th 2019 Ashes Test: Joe Root confirms massive change ahead of Old Trafford Test vs Australia

England Playing XI for 4th 2019 Ashes Test: England have finally announced their Playing XI for the imminent fourth Test against Australia.

Having announced a 13-member squad for the imminent fourth 2019 Ashes Test against Australia, England have announced their Playing XI on the eve of the match in Manchester.

Coming on the back of a nerve-wrenching 1-wicket victory against Australia in the third Test at Headingley, England were expected to field the winning combination at Old Trafford tomorrow but not to be. The solitary change made by the hosts sees Craig Overton replacing Chris Woakes.

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Having made his Test debut during Ashes 2017 in Adelaide, Overton has picked seven wickets in three Tests at an average of 42.28, an economy rate of 3.52 and a strike rate of 72. In eight matches in the County season this year, Overton has dismissed 32 batsmen at an average of 21.34, an economy rate of 2.79 and a strike rate of 45.8.

Much like Woakes, even Overton can contribute well with the bat in hand. In three Test so far, Woakes had dismissed nine batsmen at an average of 29, an economy rate of 3.34 and a strike rate of 52. With Woakes contributing decent with the bat as well, him getting benched is bit of a surprise.

“At this ground I think it does perform slightly differently. That extra bit of bounce of a taller bowler and it gives us a slightly different option to go to. I feel like that balances our attack out really well in these conditions,” England captain Joe Root was quoted as saying to reporters during the pre-match press conference.

England Playing XI for 4th 2019 Ashes Test

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