England's final attempt at leveling the series

Betting Odds 

Our Predictions 

• Joe Root has odds of 3.95 to be England's best batsman  
• Steven Smith has odds of 4.23 to be the best batsman for Australia  
• Mark Wood has odds of 3.87 to be the best bowler for England   
• Pat Cummins has odds of 2.98 to be Australia's best bowler   

MATCH PREVIEW     

The balance has tilted in England's favor in the last two games. The betting tips at the start of the series have changed. The hosts were unlucky to have been denied a well-deserved win in the 4th Test Match at Manchester, with rain spoiling the party. They are 1-2 behind in the series and have lost all hopes of retaining the urn. They would look to continue with the momentum and level the series at Kennington Oval. The Australians would like a win or even settle for a draw, which will help them with their first Ashes on English soil since 2001. England has big stakes in this game, and this will make the game interesting.  

England Preview      

Ben Stokes would be upset at being denied a chance to win the last game. England were in the driver's seat throughout the game, and they saw the visitors escaping with a draw. They must win this game to level the series, and Stokes would like his players to put in all they have. The side has batted well in the last two games, and the English skipper will take confidence from that. They have won the last four out of five games here and look to build on that record.  

Zak Crawley played a blistering knock in the last game and will look to provide a good start with Ben Duckett. The middle order had a good outing in the last game, and they will expect runs from Moeen Ali, Joe Root, and Harry Brook. The lower middle order has done well for the side, and the trio of Stokes, Jonny Bairstow, and Chris Woakes makes it a formidable batting line-up.  

James Anderson failed to impress in the last game, and the side will want early strikes from him and Stuart Broad. The Australian opening pair has struggled, and they must exploit it. Mark Wood is having a dream run, and he will look to put pressure on the visitors along with Chris Woakes. Moeen Ali and Root must take advantage of the conditions when the ball gets old.  

Expected Starting XI for England     

Ben Stokes (c), Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Chris Woakes, Moeen Ali, Harry Brook, Jonny Bairstow (wk), Stuart Broad, Joe Root, James Anderson, Mark Wood 

Australia Preview     

Pat Cummins and his men have been playing catch-up since the second Test Match. They lost at Headingley and escaped with a draw at Manchester. Their batting form has dropped, and the Aussie skipper will feel worried heading into this game. Though they have retained the Ashes, Cummins would like to finish with a win. They would take a draw as it would guarantee a series win.  

David Warner seems to be in the twilight of his Test career and has been a failure in the series. He must add runs at the top with Usman Khawaja for the side to do well. Marnus Labuschagne scored a hundred in the last game, and he will have to add runs in the middle order with Steven Smith and Travis Head. Mitchell Marsh, Alex Carey, and Cummins must do well with the bat down the order.   

Josh Hazlewood and Mitchell Starc must remove the English openers early, as it is hurting the side. Cummins will enjoy bowling at this venue as it suits his strengths. He must do well with Cameron Green, who has shown his sparks. Travis Head, Mitchell Marsh, and Labuschagne have to play important parts for the side to win this contest.  

Expected Starting XI for Australia     

Pat Cummins (c), David Warner, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Steven Smith, Travis Head, Mitchell Marsh, Alex Carey (wk), Mitchell Starc, Cameron Green, Josh Hazlewood 

TOSS: To Bowl First      

The  weather forecast isn't encouraging, and we may see a challenging surface for the batters. The ball will move around, creating problems for the batters. Both captains would have the weather in mind and hence look to bowl first and restrict the opponents to a small total.          

PITCH AND WEATHER CONDITIONS      

Rain may play spoilsport in this after the sad end to the game at Manchester. There is a forecast for rain in the last three days of the game. Fast bowlers will enjoy bowling under the heavy skies. Batsmen must play to the merit of the ball to do well at this ground. The side batting first shall be happy to have 350 runs or more in the 1st innings.  

OUR PREDICTION      

The balance has shifted in this series. England is in charge of the proceedings now, with good performances in consecutive games. Their batsmen are in good form, giving them an edge over their rivals. Australians have to put the performance of the last two games behind them and approach this contest with a fresh mind. Most cricket betting sites favor the hosts, and we shall have our money on England to win this game based on the current form.  

Our Prediction is for England to win