AUS vs ENG: Decade-Long Tradition Broken As Australia Unveil Playing XI For 4th Test

Looking to bounce back after losing the third Test in the ongoing Ashes series, Australia have decided not to play any frontline spinner in the upcoming fourth Test against England. The penultimate Test of the series is scheduled to begin on Wednesday (July 19) at Old Trafford, Manchester.

The visitors have called up allrounder Cameron Green and pacer Josh Hazlewood, thus deciding to play a Test without a frontline spinner for the first in more than a decade. The team from Down Under last played a Test without a specialist spinner way back in 2012 at the WACA against India.

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Their spin spearhead Nathan Lyon had played 100 consecutive Tests since the 2013 Ashes before a calf injury ruled him out of the ongoing series after the second match. In his absence, young Todd Murphy shouldered the responsibility of the spin-bowling department in the third Test but failed to impress.

The right-arm spinner managed just one wicket in the first innings while he was given to bowl just two overs in the second innings as England beat Australia by three wickets. Murphy has been dropped from the playing eleven alongside Scott Boland. Boland was axed after failing to pick up any wicket in the third Test.

Australia Playing XI for 4th Ashes Test:

Australia have made two changes to their playing eleven after losing the third Test, replacing Murphy and Boland with Green and Hazlewood respectively. Green missed the third Test after suffering a hamstring injury during the third game and his replacement Mitchell Marsh grabbed the opportunity with both hands.

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Marsh scored a stunning century and has retained his spot in the team. With no frontline spinners in the playing eleven, Australia are likely to turn to the part-time spin of Travis Head and Marnus Labuschagne if the need arises.

Meanwhile, David Warner has also managed to retain his spot in the team despite his poor outing in the third Test. The veteran opener was dismissed for single-digit scores by Stuart Broad in both innings.

Australia XI:

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

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