Ashes 2023: 3rd Test Preview – Action resumes as England hope to stay alive

Pat Cummins-led Australia made it two wins in two after toppling the Three Lions on a dramatic final day at Lord’s. While the second Test was marred by controversy, Ben Stokes played an innings of a lifetime to take England close to a colossal target in the fourth inning of the contest. However, Australia were too good in the end, keeping their nerves to take a comprehensive 2-0 lead in the series.

Both sides have lost key members in Nathan Lyon and Ollie Pope, with the duo set to take no further part in the ongoing five-match series. While England have not named a replacement for the middle-order batter, a young Todd Murphy is expected to take over the spin bowling duties in the third Test at Headingley, commencing on July 6.

Pitch and conditions

England skipper Ben Stokes will have fond memories of playing against Australia in Leeds. Despite the surface assisting the slower bowlers in the latter stages, the pitch remains pretty good for batting throughout the course of the five days.

Here’s the probable playing XI for England vs Australia:

England

England have opted to recall all-rounders Moeen Ali and Chris Woakes to the side, along with speedster Mark Wood. Wood replaces veteran seamer James Anderson after a couple of lacklustre showings with the ball.

England’s confirmed playing XI: Ben Duckett, Zak Crawley, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Ben Stokes (c), Jonny Bairstow, Moeen Ali, Chris Woakes, Stuart Broad, Ollie Robinson, Mark Wood

Australia

Barring Nathan Lyon’s forced omission, Australia are expected to remain unchanged for the Headingley encounter. Pat Cummins’ side have shown tremendous grit in the series so far and will be ready to battle the arch-rivals in another hard-fought contest in Leeds.

Australia’s probable playing XI: David Warner, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Steven Smith, Travis Head, Cameron Green, Alex Carey, Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins (c), Todd Murphy, Josh Hazlewood.