England vs. Australia the Ashes 2013: Key Battles in 4th Test Match

England and Australia head to Chester-le-Street for the fourth Test with the Ashes already secured for another series.

The Manchester rain scuppered Australia's hopes of prolonging the contest and meant England's 2-0 lead became unassailable, with two Tests remaining.

Despite the draw, Australia were unquestionably the better side at Old Trafford and will hope to take that momentum into Durham.

Here's a look at some of the key battles in this fourth Ashes Test.

Alastair Cook vs. Michael Clarke

Neither player will come up against each other at the wicket, unless Clarke opts for some early part-time spin, yet the clash of captains is always pivotal to any Test.

So often a captain's form inspires a team and Clarke's 187 in Manchester visibly lifted his troops. He will hope that knock can rouse Australia to finish with a flourish and help square the series.

Cook may already have his hands on the urn, but he's struggled for runs, averaging just 24. His captaincy has also looked overly defensive at times and he will want to make a similar contribution to Clarke's at Old Trafford.

Steve Smith vs. Graeme Swann

Swann bowling to Smith has been one of the more entertaining battles of this Ashes. Swann is currently the leading wicket-taker in the series, with 19 wickets, while Smith's 181 runs make him the third-highest run-scorer in the Australian camp.

So far Swann has triumphed most often, dismissing Smith on three occasions. However, that hasn't prevented the Australian attempting his full repertoire of strokes against the off-spinner.

Darren Lehmann has clearly advised his side to be aggressive against Swann and Smith is one of the more eager to advance down the wicket and hit him for a boundary.

With spin less likely to be a factor in Durham, Smith will back himself to put pressure on Swann.

Jonathan Trott vs. Ryan Harris

Trott has failed to make an impression this series and part of the reason has been Ryan Harris.

When fit, the Australian is one of the best fast bowlers in world cricket and has dismissed the England No. 3 in three out of the four innings he's bowled in.

Harris' 11 wickets have cost just 18 runs each, the best average among seam bowlers in this series. In contrast, Trott has averaged just 20 with the bat, well below his impressive career return of 47.

Given Chester-le-Street's reputation of favouring quicker bowlers, Trott will do well to suppress Harris and end his run of poor scores.