AUS vs ENG: England’s Predicted Playing XI vs Australia, Ashes 2021-22, 5th Test

After suffering defeats in the first three Tests of the ongoing Ashes 2021-22 series, England fought hard and showed a lot more resistance in the fourth Test. Valuable contributions from Ben Stokes, Jonny Bairstow, and Zack Crawley with the bat and Stuart Broad, Lack Leach with the ball helped England draw the fourth Test of the series.

England would look to gain confidence from that and be keen to end the tour with a win in the final Test. England are likely to make a few changes to their playing XI. We have compiled our predicted playing XI of the England Cricket Team for the final Test of the Ashes 2021-22 series. Here’s a look at that.

AUS vs ENG: England’s Predicted Playing XI vs Australia, Ashes 2021-22, 5th Test

1. Openers: Zack Crawley and Rory Burns

Zack Crawley played a wonderful 77-run attacking knock off 100 deliveries in his last innings of the fourth Test against Australia. His knock was laced with as many as 13 fours. His partner Haseeb Hameed, however, endured low scores in the fourth Test. He made 6 and 9 in two innings and England might think of replacing him with Rory Burns for the final Test match.

2. Middle-Order: Dawid Malan, Joe Root, Jonny Bairstow, Sam Billings

After making impressive returns in the first two Tests, Dawid Malan has been enduring a rough patch since. He scored 3 and 4 in the two innings in Sydney. Skipper, Joe Root, too hasn’t played a solid knock in his last two innings.

Scott Boland has troubled him and managed to get him out thrice in three innings. England, though, would be hoping for these two to come good in the final Test of the series. Jonny Bairstow showed great form in the last Test as he scored his maiden century, followed by a valuable 41. He too will have the onus for scoring the bulk of the runs. Injured Jos Buttler is unlikely to feature in Hobart, which means Sam Billings is set to make his debut in Tests.

All-rounder: Ben Stokes

Ben Stokes looked solid in the middle and tried his best to stay till the end on the final day of the fourth Test match. However, he, unfortunately, got out after scoring 60 off 123 balls. He also batted exceedingly well in the first innings and managed to score 66 off 91. The English all-rounder is in great form and one can expect a big knock from him in Hobart.

Bowlers: Mark Wood, Stuart Broad, Ollie Robinson and Jack Leach

Mark Wood hasn’t got a lot of wickets in the last two Tests. He got three wickets in the last Test match but England would be wanting to have that extra pace and bounce for the final Test. If reports are to be believed, James Anderson is likely to rest for the final match and Ollie Robinson should replace him in the playing XI.

Stuart Broad picked a five-wicket haul in Sydney and would look to replicate a similar performance in Hobart. Spinner, Jack Leach also had a pretty good outing in the last Test match as he picked 4 wickets. He, too, is unlikely to be dropped for the final Test match of the series.