4th Test: It's About Application

The Ashes: 4th Test – 26-30 December, 2013 - Melbourne

Australia
Australia have performed well thus far and it's not to say that they won't continue to do so – but there's a difference this time. They will make various changes in strategy which may add to their burdens. They will find themselves working harder to justify and improve their position in the game. Luckily they will manage to do so quite well.

1st Innings
Batting will grow steadily with strong foundations being laid. An independent innings will be noticed. Bowling will start off very well, but it's towards the end that focus will need to be maintained. Fielding will initially be weaker than usual.

2nd Innings
Another steady batting performance with some weaknesses shown mid-innings only to come back stronger towards the end. Bowling will appear burdened; hard work and strain will be felt but this will be not in vain as the bowlers re-group and bowl well in tandem. Fielding will display some silly errors.

The Captain - Michael Clarke
Clarke will be instinctive in his captaincy – he will assess the situation well and hence accommodate well too. His new ideas will not work so well, therefore he will go back to old formulas bringing the team better results.

England
Team England present better control over their strategies, but they still carry tremendous disappointment from the way the series has progressed. They're unable to brush this off and move forward completely, so although they will show better team work and a stronger fight, it will be hard for them to maintain this.

1st Innings
Initial batting will have to fight it out; focus does improve and a steady innings will be seen, with a strong batting performance towards the end. Bowling will be wayward and temperamental, but overall it will still give required results. Fielding will not be a trouble.

2nd Innings
Batting starts off very well, in fact they will put up a very strong fight giving the team hope and direction. Bowling will look good, only for it to take too many risks giving them undesired results. Fielding will do well, but may not end so well.

The Captain - Alastair Cook
Unfortunately, Cook doesn't appear too comfortable in this role. He will have to re-work his plans fast and maintain his focus if he is to do justice to the effort his team puts in.

Tarot Advantage
Australia

Disclaimer: Tarot for the Ashes is there to provide a different perspective to the matches and is meant for entertainment purposes only.