Sri Lanka‘s legendary wicketkeeper-batter Kumar Sangakkara has predicted the scoreline of the Ashes 2023. It is worth mentioning that Australia currently leads the five-match series (2-1) against England. However, the English team is likely to level the scores as they stand in a strong position in the ongoing fourth Test at Old Trafford in Manchester.
Speaking to Sky Sports, Sangakkara talked about England’s dominance in the penultimate Test and admitted that it’s been a while since he saw an Australian side such perplexed on the field. The statement from the veteran cricketer came after England’s sensational batting performance at Old Trafford.
During the same conversation, Sangakkara also predicted the scoreline of the Ashes 2023. The 45-year-old said that if England manages to win the Manchester Test, then they will also take away the series (3-2). He even talked about the humiliation Australia would face if they went on to lose by a comprehensive margin.
“With the ball, it’s been a long time since I have seen the Australians this perplexed on the field. Not knowing what to do, what fields to set and then bowling completely different from the fields set. It’s really affected them,” said Sangakkara.
“If England wins this Test then they are going to take the Ashes 3-2. If this goes England’s way, three days before the next Test, the memories and scars will stay. England have recognised when they are ahead and they have accelerated and taken the game away,” he added.
As far as the fourth Test between the arch-rivals is concerned, Australia ended their first innings on 317 runs after being invited to bat first. Marnus Labuschagne and Mitchell Marsh contributed 51 runs each to the total, while Travis Head and Steve Smith added 48 and 41 runs. Among England bowlers, Chris Woakes picked a brilliant fifer for the hosts.
In reply, England opted for the bazball approach and piled up a lead of 275 over the Aussie side by ending their innings on a score of 592 runs. Zak Crawley top-scored for the English side, hammering a brilliant 189 runs. Meanwhile, Jonny Bairstow chipped in with quickfire 99 runs off 81 deliveries. Josh Hazlewood claimed a five-wicket haul for Australia.
Following the sensational batting performance, England showcased a sensational bowling display as well. The English bowlers posed a significant challenge for Australian batters to get going and sent back four of their batters with 113 runs on the board until the stumps on Day 3.
