Australia Made ‘Mistake’ In 4th Ashes Test Selection, Legend Explains Why

Former Australia captain Steve Waugh slammed the administration for dropping off-spinner Todd Murphy from the taking part in eleven for the fourth Ashes Test at Old Trafford in Manchester. Murphy, who changed the injured Nathan Lyon for the third Test in Leeds, struggled to take wickets as England decreased the deficit to 1-2 within the ongoing five-match sequence. With England eyeing a series-levelling win in Manchester, Australia went into the sport with an all-out tempo assault. However, Waugh feels Australia have made a mistake by not selecting Murphy.

“I tend to disagree with it. I think it’s a mistake, particularly in Manchester where the ball does turn. I know they’re probably looking at the forecast and saying there’s a bit of rain around, but you do need variation in the attack. Particularly with the way England plays,” Waugh, who performed 168 Tests for Australia, informed SENQ Breakfast.

Waugh feels that if Australia do not rating sufficient runs, England may degree the sequence in Manchester.

“They go at the bowlers really hard and we’ve got four right-arm quick bowlers so there’s a bit of sameness about our attack. But if the wicket is pretty flat and we haven’t got too much up our sleeve, I think England will probably like the sight of the four right-arm quick bowlers,” he added.

On Day 1 of the fourth Ashes Test, Chris Woakes led England’s tempo assault with 4-52 in 18.5 overs whereas Broad took 2-68 in 14 en path to a landmark 600 Test wickets.

At stumps on Day 1, Australia have been 299/8 after Marnus Labuschagne and Mitchell Marsh every made 51.

England have gained 13 of their final 16 Tests at Old Trafford however haven’t loved an Ashes victory on the Manchester floor since Ian Botham hit a celebrated hundred in 1981.

(With AFP Inputs)