(Cricket news) England are staring down at an Ashes whitewash. Australia have won the first 3 Tests very convincingly and England have had all sorts of trouble. From team selection to on field performances, everything has been questionable from the English side. Sydney presents Joe Root's men with a chance of getting some pride back along with crucial world test championship points. 

Australia Possible Playing XI:

David Warner, Marcus Harris, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Usman Khawaja, Cameron Green, Alex Carey (wk), Pat Cummins (c), Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, Nathan Lyon.

Travis Head is out of contention and should be replaced by Usman Khawaja. Mitchell Marsh, Nic Maddinson and Josh Inglis have also been called up to the squad. Josh Hazelwood is fit again and should be back in the side despite an incredible performance from Scott Boland. Mitchell Starc is the only quick bowler who has played all 3 games and could be rested for this one to be ready for the pink ball Test at the Bellerive Oval.

England possible playing XI:

Zak Crawley, Haseeb Hameed, Dawid Malan, Joe Root (c), Ben Stokes, Jonny Bairstow, Jos Buttler (wk), Stuart Broad, Mark Wood, Jack Leach, James Anderson.

After missing the last Test Broad should come back into the side. The batters, especially the opening pair, need to do a lot better than they are. Ben Stokes has been a shadow of a player he usually is. Dom Bess and Dan Lawrence are the only two England players yet to feature in this series and it's difficult to see them play in Sydney.

Pitch and Weather Report:

There is a very high chance of rain on all five days. Getting a result in the game is very very unlikely. The pitch at Sydney is a good one for batting. The seamers can get some movement off the surface while the spinners will definitely come into play on the later days with the footmarks.

Australia are firm favourites going into the game but England have more than just pride to play for. They have been docked points for slow over rate in the series and will be looking to get at least one win to add to the table. They will be without their coach Chris Silverwood who is isolating due to a Covid scare.

Also read: Stokes backs Root and Silverwood, says 'no ambition' to be England captain