England Wins Toss and Elects to Bowl First in Crucial Fourth Ashes Test

 

In the ongoing Ashes series, England has won the toss and, for the fourth consecutive test, elected to bowl first against Australia in Manchester on Wednesday. This crucial match, which England must win, commenced under overcast skies.

With a 2-1 deficit in the five-match series, Australia will retain the Ashes if they manage to secure a victory or draw in Manchester. On the other hand, an England win will lead to an exciting final test at the Oval in London next week.

England faces challenging odds as they haven't beaten Australia in a Manchester Ashes test since their victory inspired by Ian Botham in 1981. Additionally, no team has come back from a 2-0 deficit to win the series since 1936-37.

To bolster their bowling attack, the hosts have reintroduced the veteran Lancashire favorite, Jimmy Anderson, who has a stand named after him at Old Trafford. Meanwhile, for the tourists, Josh Hazlewood and Cameron Green have replaced Scott Boland and Todd Murphy.

Despite concerns about the adverse weather forecast with expected rain throughout the next five days in Manchester, the match commenced on time after the national anthems were played.