AUS vs ENG: Ian Bell Makes Massive Prediction For 5th Ashes 2023 Test
Published - 26 Jul 2023, 05:25 PM | Updated - 23 Aug 2024, 12:16 AM
Former England National Cricket Team batsman Ian Bell has made his prediction for the fifth Test of the Ashes 2023, which is set to be hosted by The Kennington Oval in London from July 27 to 31.
Australia successfully retained the Ashes urn after rain gods helped them in the fourth Test at Old Trafford in Manchester. The Pat Cummins-led side had won a thrilling first Test by 2 wickets at Edgbaston in Birmingham and the second Test by 43 runs at Lord’s in London.
Also Read: AUS vs ENG: Harry Brook Admits Crap Batting Display On His Part In Ashes 2023
Then England bounced back to win the third Test at Headingley in Leeds by 3 wickets, before showcasing sheer dominance in the Manchester Test. The Three Lions were all set to clinch the victory in the fifth Test, but rain washed out the entire fifth day of the match as a result, the visitors retained the Ashes.
Meanwhile, Ian Bell has predicted that Ben Stokes & Co. will win the fifth Test to draw the series 2-2. He feels that England have a psychological upper hand over Australia following their dominance in Manchester Test.
“The series is going to be a 2-2 draw for me,” Bell, who played in seven Ashes contests, told Betfair.
“At this stage England seem to have the psychological upper-hand over Australia. Their dominance with the bat was the like of which we’ve never seen against the Aussies.
“Didn’t they say when they came here that Bazball wouldn’t be possible against them? That view may have changed.”
I’m confident about an England win to make it 2-2 – Ian Bell
Ian Bell is confident about England’s victory in the fifth and final Test as he feels that the Aussies are now completely exhausted.
“Pat Cummins looks exhausted, as you would expect for a guy who has essentially already played five Tests back-to-back.
“He could be very tired indeed in the sixth in south London. He seems to personify his team’s energy levels. They look like they are running out of steam.
“So I’m confident about an England win to make it 2-2, which would be a much better reflection of what has been an amazing series.”
Ian Bell added that, unlike Australia, England players are looking fresh and they are coming up with big performances.
“England are looking fresh and they’re players are stepping up with big performances. Zak Crawley is an example. It’s huge that England don’t have to rely on the same old faces of Root and Stokes to produce extraordinary moments any more.
“Australia, by contrast, haven’t really addressed their issues. Will David Warner play at the Oval? They may have to bring back Toddy Murphy, the spinner, who was not used by Cummins in the fourth-innings at Leeds.”
Also Read: ENG vs AUS: “He Has Found His Method And Balance” – Alastair Cook Lauds Joe Root’s Bazball Approach
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