England vs Australia Live Score, Ashes 2019, 4th Test, Day 1

England captain, Joe Root, says that he too, would have batted first. But observes some tackiness on the wicket which he feels, would suit his bowlers. Hopes for some early wickets and then run through the middle order. Praises his side for showing a lot of character in the second innings of the previous game and expects more of the same. Admits that the pitch might spin later on and by experience predicts the track to be good for the first 3-and-a-half days. Looks forward to make a statement within that time. Informs that Jimmy Anderson will miss the rest of the Ashes but is looking forward to Craig Overton, after his heroics in Australia in the previous edition. Appreciates the support of the crowd in the last game and wants to repay them and the ones who have come here with a solid performance in this match.

Australian skipper, Tim Paine, says that it is a straightforward decision as the pitch looks drier then expected. On the last match's debacle, Tim says that one has to put that aside and move forward as one cannot live in the past. Welcomes Smith back into the side and hopes for another big score. Informs that Mitchell Starc also comes in and was bowling beautifully against Derbyshire getting plenty of swing and is also expecting the left-armer's footmarks making some dents on the pitch.

TOSS - Time for the spin of the coin. Heads is the call and Heads it is. AUSTRALIA WILL BAT FIRST.

England, on the other hand, have gone one step further than their opponents and have announced their playing XI itself, a day prior to the big game. They have decided to swap the places of Joe Denly and Jason Roy while Craig Overton comes in for Chris Woakes. Whether that is a call based on the pitch conditions or whether Woakes has a niggle, is unknown. James Anderson has been ruled out of the series but will he be missed? Jofra Archer has been guilty of stealing Anderson's thunder this summer.

There has been plenty of talking from both sides and it is now time to get that talk into action. For Australia, Steven Smith is back into the side. That is a big boost for them while Mitchell Starc has been included in the playing XII. Will he feature in the XI though?

It is game time! The whole of England is going 'Ben Stokes! Ben Stokes! Ben Stokes!' while the Aussies will be feeling that a win was snatched right under their noses. But one cannot live in the past. It is time to go ahead. The Ashes are alive and kicking and there are a couple of Test matches to be played. Hello and a warm welcome to the fourth Test between England and Australia at Old Trafford, Manchester.