Oz, England 'still have much to play for' in 'dead duck' Ashes series, says Mike Selvey

Former England Test cricketer Mike Selvey has said that both England and Australia have much to play for yet in the Ashes as even though England has retained the urn, it was done in an underwhelming fashion, clinging on in a washout.

According to the Guardian, Selvey believes that the Ashes are not a 'dead duck' yet and are still there to be won for Australia, which has found a bit of momentum with the third Test after the disappointment at Lord's, and has gained a huge achievement by drawing the series.

Stating that England's problems at Old Trafford are mainly due to form rather than personnel, Selvey said that the side's three front-line batsmen- captain Alastair Cook, Jonathan Trott and Jonny Bairstow are still some distance away from the top of their games, along with Joe Root and Matt Prior.

Selvey also said that spearhead James Anderson and Stuart Broad were also unable to make the same headway with the ball as their Australian counterparts, adding that Australia raised their game at Manchester, especially with captain Michael Clarke' batting and the bowling performances of Ryan Harris and Peter Siddle.

However, Selvey said that it is necessary to resolve the issues of the Australian batting order and the third seamer, adding that despite their Old Trafford disappointment, England will view the Test with composure given that they had demolished the tourists by a huge margin at Lord's.

Stating that the calls to change the England side, or suggestions that bowlers are tired and need resting, are a little hasty, Selvey also said that England has named a squad for the fourth Test that covers eventualities, although they have also backed their judgement.