Ashes 2019 | Australia's predicted XI for the third Test at Headingley
As Australia take on the hosts for the third clash of this ongoing Ashes series, the visitors would want to take an almost series assuring 2-0 lead over England. Australia won the first Test comfortably by 255 runs and despite struggling against English bowlers at Lord's, managed to secure a draw.
OpenersĀ
Marcus HarrisĀ
Harris, who earned himself a Cricket Australia contract ahead of the England tour and who was also a part of the Australia A team, had already proved himself as someone who could handle the pressure of Test Cricket having scored two half-centuries against a world-class India attack in 2018, a series which Australia lost 2-1.Ā This time he finished the Shield season with 1188 runs amassed at 69.88 and this form could be instrumental for Australia in the third test, with Bancroft most likely being dropped.
David Warner
The very experienced left-handed opener had an exceptional run in this year's World Cup but his form took a significant dip in the Ashes, wherein so far he has not reached the double digits in 4 innings. Warner was dismissed for cheap all four times, out of which he fell thrice to Stuart Broad, and hence this will be the opener's chance to redeem himself in the series.
Middle-order
Usman Khawaja
Khawaja hasn't shown signs of a big match temperament so far in two games, but as a No.3 he produced a couple of decent knocks, the significance of which lies in the fact that he provided good partnerships to Steve Smith after the two openers fell early in all the Australian innings'. With Smith away in the third Test, Khawaja needs to lay the foundation for Australia's new No.4.
Marnus Labuschagne
Speaking of Australia's new No.4, the obvious choice would be Marnus Labuschagne who not only made his way into the record books by becoming the first-ever concussion substitute in test Cricket history but also justified his position in replacing Smith. His 100-ball 59 in the 4th innings helped Australia secure a draw in the Lord's Test, despite Archer and Leach's constant efforts.
Travis Head
Labuschagne found company in Travis Head, who scored an unbeaten 90-ball 42 at Lord's, when it came to saving the Australian team from facing a certain defeat in the second Test. Not only that, but the 25-year-old left-handed batsman also formed a solid partnership with Steve Smith in Australia's second innings at Edgbaston by scoring a 116-ball 51. He has been consistent so far and his ability to form solid partnerships with the top order can only do good for the team.
Matthew Wade
Wade has so far scored three single digits scores out of four innings in this Ashes, especially the last game at Lord's was awful for the wicket-keeper batsman since he scored a 6 and a 1. However, his hundred at Edgbaston(110 off 143) helped Australia post a total of 487/7d, after having trailed by 90 runs at the end of the first half, and hence his position in the team is safe for now.
Wicketkeeper
Tim Paine
Now comes the captain, who is probably one of the least reliable batsmen in the Australian team, but has his special qualities which have kept the team from falling even in its darkest phase. Once again, Paine will be put through a big test in Steve Smith's absence.Ā Smith has already gifted the side a 1-0 lead, and the job is to now take it forward and reward a concussed Smith back. Paine loves to lead the side from behind the stumps and that's one sign that keeps him ahead of most keepers in the world.
Bowlers
Pat Cummins
Despite the workload management being vigorously practised by the Australian team management, Cummins is unlikely to be rested. The right-arm quick is an asset to the team and has been the most consistent bowler amongst the Aussies so far, bagging a total of 13 wickets in the series. The 25-year-old recently equalled Glenn McGrath in achieving a 914-point ranking, Australia's highest ever.Ā
James Pattinson
Expect James Pattinson to be a part of the third Test at Leeds since he was well rested through the Lord's Test due to a recurring back problem, and now he's good to be back. Australia now needs him more than ever, especially since he'd be the best choice for their own version of Jofra Archer. Pattinson will most likely replace Peter Siddle.
Nathan Lyon
Lyon, who has now equalled fast bowler Dennis Lillee's tally of 355 Test wickets, was not at his best at Lord's wherein he bagged three wickets in the first innings but went wicketless in the second. However, he picked up 9 wickets at Edgbaston and that form is undeniable and henceĀ he'll continue to remain a key member of this Aussie attack.
Josh Hazlewood
Hazlewood will be picked ahead of Starc once again since Australia wouldn't want to drop him after playing him in one game. The 28-year-old right-arm pacer couldn't do much in England's second innings at Lord's but he provided equal participation as Cummins and Lyon in uprooting England for 258 in the 1st innings.Ā
