*THE ASHES- ENGLAND VS AUSTRALIA 3rd TEST MATCH- PREVIEW: 5 MATCH TEST SERIES*
*THE BUILD UP:*
Imagine a wooden box, out of which you’re hearing birds make all kinds of noises- they can be good to hear for some people but utterly distasteful for the rest. This box is the second test, a test match that had everything in it. From new ball bursts to Steve Smith rising to the occasion again to the injury of Australia’s greatest spin bowling asset in Lyon to Stokes smashing one of the finest centuries you will ever see to Starc’s catch marked as “not out” and finally Bairstow’s run out that sparked off a huge debate in the name of spirit of cricket.
The test match at Leeds promises something even better as Steve Smith, the modern day genius is all set to compete in his 100th game as a test purist. He’d be willing to contribute again and deliver a memorable performance to help his side win the ashes but against the Aussies stand a determined England who have so far, been a lot about the big talk and the casual attitude. These are a few aspects Ben Stokes and co would keenly look forward to rectifying in their quest to do the impossible and make a comeback for the ages, starting from Leeds tomorrow in front of what’s expected to be a jam packed crowd.
*ENGLAND XI:*
Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Harry Brook, Joe Root, Johnny Bairstow(wk), Ben Stokes(c), Moeen Ali, Chris Woakes, Stuard Broad, Ollie Robinson, Mark Wood
England, like always, have already named their XI and have made wholesale changes to their setup. Jimmy was expected to get rested and that is exactly what has happened. It’s a much deserved break for him specially after how poorly he bowled in the first two tests. The addition of Woakes can be a blessing or a curse. The veteran has not played cricket at this level for some while and it could take him some time to get used to this new style of play from England. He is a like for like replacement if you ideally see with a swing bowler coming in place of another but what sets him apart is his ability to bat with a strong technique, he could add vital lower order runs alongside Moeen Ali who has also been recalled after recovering fully from a finger injury.
I, however, am most excited about the possibility of watching Mark Wood bowl short fiery and attacking spells to the Aussie batters. England needed that sort of fire and it could do them a world of good at Leeds. It’s a good thing that he has recovered as he is someone who can turn the game around in a blitz, without anyone else catching a glimpse of it. The only way to deal with the Aussie ruthlessness is by introducing a cagey cat like character and Mark wood just fits the bill.
Harry Brook at 3 can be a big gamble. He has never quite batted at that position and this could well be his real test. The injury to Pope Can be a blessing to Brook who has been decent so far in this Ashes series but would love to go out there and play an even bigger role. Coupled with that, Ben’s return to form after that breathtaking 155 will be awaited. It would be a fascinating watch as to how the star allrounder decides to go about his business.
*AUS PROBABLE XI:*
David Warner, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Steven Smith, Travis Head, Cameron Green, Alex Carey(wk), Pat Cummins(c), Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, Todd Murphy
Lyon’s injury would be a big loss to Australia without a shadow of doubt but they have shown that they are capable of fighting hard even without him. While he has gone for rehab now, it’s time that his successor Todd Murphy takes on a similar role and performs it to perfection. We have seen the heroics of Todd when he visited India and picked up a 7fer on debut with some high class off spin bowling. The Leeds surface offers little to the spinners but his control is what the Aussies would want, to maintain that pressure on the English batters. He has an extremely challenging task at hand and would be eager to go out there and deliver.
The performance that Starc gave after that initial horrid 7 overs at Lords was golden. He wrapped it up nicely with that booming inswinger to Pope who had no clue about where his stump was. This makes him undroppable and a force to deal with, come tomorrow and for the next 5 days. We have seen how Starc has added some crucial lower order runs as well, Australia would love to see that version of him again where he not only dismantles the opposition and break their back with his class act bowling but also add handy runs at the backend of an innings.
Very often do we see Marnus not lighting a series up on fire and this has been one instance. He showed better promise last game with a 47 and a 30 and he’d hope that a ton is right around the corner. His best friend however, returned back to his normal services and smashed a first innings ton last test match and this being his 100th game, the 34 year old could not be more pumped up. The little teenager who started out as a leggie has now become a modern generation superstar in the toughest format out there and nothing gives me more joy than to see him with a happy smile on his face, walking out to bat. A hundred here will only be fitting to the cause and to the occasion which is being celebrated.
Usman Khawaja has been slow, patient, careful and has beaten England at all odds. He has gone about his usual job making peace with the English bowlers and has pounced whenever required. His batting full of grit will be needed again against an English side that will look to comeback hard to kick some momentum into their favour.
*MY PREDICTIONS:*
*FOR ENG:*
Highest run getter- Joe Root/Zak Crawley
Highest wicket taker- Mark Wood/Moeen Ali
*FOR AUS:*
Highest run getter- Usman Khawaja/Steven Smith
Highest wicket taker- Pat Cummins/Josh Hazlewood
*FOR THE GAME:*
England to win