Australia have won four of their last five Test meetings with England. The one they didn't win was a draw. That makes a lengthy unbeaten stretch, indeed.
England vs Australia | Third Ashes Test | Thursday 6 July – Monday 10 July 2023 | Headingley, Leeds | 12:00
England 6/4 | Draw 7/2 | Australia 6/5
Defeats in Birmingham and London have left England with a must-win situation this week.
Despite the losses, the hosts have spoken a big game throughout and, once again, it’s time to see if the ‘Bazball’ approach can walk the talk.
The home side will be without batsman Ollie Pope, who has been ruled out of the rest of the series with a shoulder injury.
The aggressive Harry Brook will reportedly move up to third in the batting order – and all-rounder Moeen Ali is set to return to the XI.
Australia are still being asked to answer for the controversial run-out of batsman Jonny Bairstow in the second Test. Pundits and critics and plenty have pondered the merit and validity of wicketkeeper Alex Carey’s decision.
Spinner Nathan Lyon has been ruled out of the rest of the series as well. His absence is probably more detrimental to Australia than Pope’s is to England.
That said, it’ll be intriguing to see if England take the attack to back-up spinner Todd Murphy, if he even plays. The part-time slow bowler Travis Head delivered some threatening spells at Lord’s.
Mitchell Starc could be a handful for England early at Headingley, where the new ball can really talk.
Verdict: Australia
England might get angry, but they won’t get even with Australia on top.
