The first two Test matches between the oldest rivals have been nail biters and now for the third Test of the Ashes, we move to Leeds, Headingley, where we had seen a humdinger contest, four years ago, courtesy of a splendid knock of unbeaten 135 from Ben Stokes.
In fact, Stokes had almost pulled off a similar heist at Lord’s on Sunday but it was not to be, as Australia won by 43 runs to take a 2-0 lead in the series. Stokes scored a piece de resistance knock of 155 runs and it must have been deja vu for the Australian bowlers. However, this time their batters had done enough to give them runs (371) on the board, which they successfully defended.
While Ben Stokes continued to amaze everyone with his unbelievable skills, Steve Smith got back into form. After having a mundane first Test outing at Edgbaston, Smith showed why he is class apart in tough English conditions. Smith scored a fine knock of 110 runs to celebrate his 32nd Test century and also became the second fastest to 9000 Test runs after Kumar Sangakkara.
Australia have ticked the right boxes and most importantly they have won crucial phases of the first two matches to take a lead. On the other hand, England hasn’t been able to seize the imperative moments and it has led to their downfall.
James Anderson didn’t look like himself in favorable Lord’s conditions whereas England’s vice-captain Ollie Pope has been ruled out. On the other hand, Nathan Lyon will miss a Test match after playing 100 games on the trot. Todd Murphy, who impressed on the tour of India with 14 wickets, will replace Lyon in the third Test.
Match Prediction: With winning impetus on their side, Australia will enter the contest as favorites against England.
England squad for the third Ashes Test:
Ben Stokes (captain), James Anderson, Jonny Bairstow, Stuart Broad, Harry Brook, Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Dan Lawrence, Moeen Ali, Ollie Pope, Ollie Robinson, Joe Root, Josh Tongue, Chris Woakes, Mark Wood
Australia squad for Leeds Test:
David Warner, Usman Khawaja, Marcus Harris, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Travis Head, Cameron Green, Mitchell Marsh, Alex Carey, Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, Todd Murphy, Scott Boland, Michael Neser, Jimmy Peirson.
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