Ashes 2023: 3rd Test – Preview

Ashes 2023 3rd Test Preview

Ashes 2023 3rd Test Preview, ENG vs AUS Ashes 2023 3rd Test, ENG vs AUS 3rd Test, England vs Australia 3rd Test Updates, Ashes 2023 3rd Test Details.

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A lot of water has passed under the bridge in a very short span of time. The turnaround time for the 2nd and 3rd Tests was barely three days. But the entire conversation has shifted to the Jonny Bairstow incident. Fans and cricket experts who have shared their divided opinions have completely forgotten that the 3rd Test is about to get underway. England will go head-to-head against Australia in the third Test at Leeds starting July 6.

Drama, sparks, and fireworks:

Jonny Bairstow’s casual stroll down the pitch has invited all sorts of drama into the series. Potentially what might turn out to be a colossal error has been brushed under the carpet in the guise of cricket’s spirit. Alex Carey the wicketkeeper voluntarily threw the ball onto the stumps noticing a peculiar pattern. A Test batter of Bairstow’s class should have been more vigilant. But as things stand this incident has overshadowed everything this series has been so far. 

Australia has been a superior side:

The quality of cricket has been of the top draw. Australia handicapped owing to Nathan Lyon’s injury in the last Test fought valiantly right throughout. England in the 2nd Test was all about Ben Stokes in the fourth innings. There is only so much that one man can do in such demanding situations. England who dominated the first Test yet went on to lose looked off the boil in the second. Australia well and truly deserves to lead the 5-match series 2-0.

How will the teams line up for the third Test?

England as has been their norm in the series have announced their playing XI. They have made 3 changes to the XI that featured in the Lords’ Test. England has rested the pair of Josh Tongue and James Anderson. Chris Woakes and Mark Wood have been called up for this game. They had to make one injury-forced change meaning Moeen Ali has been called in to replace Ollie Pope. 

This strengthens their bowling and adds depth to their batting with Woakes coming in at 8. England who are hellbent on playing positive cricket will be buoyed knowing there is enough batting in the tank to keep going hard. 

A couple of changes for Australia too?

Australia is largely expected to go in with the same XI. Mitchell Starc provided ample evidence of his class and skills to cement his place going ahead in the series. They will most likely bring in Todd Murphy who was quite impressive in the series against India. Murphy will replace an injured Lyon who might not feature in the series any further.

Cameroon Green who is yet to set alight the Ashes was strangely missing from the nets during the practice session. Mitchell Marsh was seen doing the yards and spending time with coaches. It might suggest that he is in line to play the third Test but captain Pat Cummins gave nothing away during the pre-match presser.

The stakes and the favourites:

England has got to do all the running. They are trailing 2-0 behind heading into this Test. There is a lot of history to this series as Australia hasn’t won a single series in the past 22 years. This is the first time during this phase that they have taken a 2-0 lead. Leeds was where Stokes and England created history the last time around. They desperately want to add a win to their kitty. 

Australia on the other hand looks relaxed and has played solid cricket for long periods of time. They will know that they can create something special if they make it 3 wins in a row. It will be a battle between England’s desperation and Australia’s inner fight against complacency. There is plenty at stake and the series could really take off if it hasn’t already!