After a lot of discussion about the laws of cricket and the spirit of cricket, we are finally back to discussing the game of cricket. After being engaged in two enthralling test matches, England and Australia will now compete at the Headingley Stadium in Leeds for the third test match of this Ashes summer.
Also Read: How did the last Ashes Test at Headingley go?
The first test match was won by Australia courtesy of a magical partnership between Pat Cummins and Nathan Lyon. The second match also went in the favour of the Australians, where Ben Stokes nearly pulled off a magical win and almost repeated Headingley 2019. We go into the third test with Australia 2-0 up and all set to retain the Ashes.
The problem that England have faced in the last two test matches is failing to win the crucial moments of the match. England let both matches slip from their hands from a very strong position.
Another issue they have been facing is their bowling department. James Anderson looked nowhere near his best in the first two matches, whereas Broad was also a little bit haywire. They have managed to take all the wickets but have also given a lot of runs in return.
For Australia, everything seems to be in place since they are winning, but they would like to expect more from Marnus Labuschagne. Cameron Green has also looked a little bit rusty in the first two games.
Ben Stokes will expect a lot more from his bowlers in this match and some sensible batting from his batters. Pat Cummins will have to regulate his bowlers well because this test match is being played just four days after the conclusion of the second test.
England announced their playing 11 on the eve of the match with three changes: Moeen Ali coming in for injured Ollie Pope, Chris Woakes in for Josh Tongue, and Mark Wood in for James Anderson. Australia will be forced to bring in Todd Murphy to replace Nathan Lyon in the team as he is now ruled out of the test series.
We predict England to stage a comeback in this match and go all guns blazing against Australia. Joe Root is predicted to be the highest run-scorer in the match, and Mark Wood is going to be a big threat for the Aussies in the Headingley test, starting today.