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Australia’s win in Adelaide gave them an unassailable 3-0 lead in the Ashes, but England can put their difficulties behind them in the fourth Test at Melbourne.
This Ashes series started with optimism that England could secure a series win in Australia for the first time since 2010/11, but after just 11 days of play, those hopes have come crashing down, with the hosts already 3-0 up.
The visitors have squandered numerous opportunities and have also been outplayed by an Australian team that has been gifted wickets by their opponents.
The postmortem has already begun but with two Tests left to play, England must pick themselves up to try and avoid a whitewash.
With plenty on the line, including some England careers, we pick out the best bets for the fourth Test.
Selections
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England @ 21/10
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Scott Boland top Australia wicket-taker 1st innings @ 13/8
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Gus Atkinson top England wicket-taker 1st innings @ 23/10
Visitors could excel with pressure off
England have had a disastrous Ashes Tour so far but with the series now confirmed to be Australia’s, they could thrive with the pressure off.
The visitors fell 82 runs short in Adelaide but have had good chances to win all three Tests and Australia will not be as strong in Melbourne.
Nathan Lyon and Pat Cummins are set to be absent through injury, while there are question marks about the fitness of Steve Smith, who missed the last Test through illness.
The pitch at Melbourne has typically suited bowlers in recent times, and that could make this contest a low-scoring shootout in which England would have a better chance.
Overcast conditions, which are more akin to those back in England, are also forecast, and this should be the visitors’ best chance of winning a Test.
Tip 1: England @ 21/10
Boland may star in absence of others
Lyon and Cummins’ absences from this fourth Test have blown the top bowler market open for Australia.
With Mitchell Starc having played all three Tests, there is also a question mark about whether he might be rested with the series already wrapped up and the 25-year-old not getting any younger.
As a result, Scott Boland could lead the home attack and he has had a solid series so far, taking 11 wickets at an average of 28.09.
The ball nipping around will suit the ultra-consistent pacer and he is taken to be the home side’s top wicket-taker.
Tip 2: Scott Boland top Australia wicket-taker 1st innings @ 13/8
Atkinson to show value to side
Gus Atkinson has a right to feel slightly aggrieved at being dropped for the third Test and he may return for England in Melbourne.
The Surrey star has a Test average of 24.59 and was supposed to lead the bowling attack post-Jimmy Anderson alongside Jofra Archer.
Overcast conditions will suit Atkinson and he could show why he deserves a place in this team.
Tip 3: Gus Atkinson top England wicket-taker 1st innings @ 23/10
