Ashes 2019, 3rd Test: Preview, Dream11 and more
After two high-octane battles, England host Australia for the third Ashes 2019 Test at Headingley. Aussies have a 1-0 lead going into this Test and it's important for England to draw level. The previous Test at Lord's which ended in a draw, saw England gain the upper hand. Also, the absence of Steve Smith will make them believe. Here's more.
Steve Smith ruled out of third Ashes Test
Australian star cricketer Steve Smith has been ruled out of the third Ashes Test. He is currently leading the recovery from a concussion sustained during the previous Test. The Australia batsman suffered a delayed concussion in the second Test after having been struck on the neck by a Jofra Archer delivery. He is the highest run-scorer in the series so far (378).
Can Labuschagne make the difference for Australia?
All eyes will be on Marnus Labuschagne, who replaced Smith in the second Test at Lord's. Labuschagne became Test cricket's first concussion substitute. The right-handed batsman made 59 as Australia survived a tense final evening to claim a draw. He will look to dictate the show at number four and make this chance count. With Smith out, the onus lies on him to score.
Will Aussies include Starc at Headingley?
Australia could be tempted to hand Mitchell Starc an outing at Headingley. The premier fast bowler was benched for the first two matches. Aussies might opt for the combination of Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Starc. A win will help them retain the urn. The batting though gets weakened with Smith's absence. Therefore, Australia need the batsmen to stand up and show some character.
View point: Langer and Bayliss ahead of the third Test
"I'm sure the bouncer will still be part of every bowler's armory, if it helps us get batsmen out then we'll use it," said Australia head coach Langer. "We think we've got the best seven batters available to us at the moment in England. Whether we can change it around and make that (order) any better, I'm not sure," said England coach Bayliss.
England counting on Archer and Root
England will be wanting to bat well and get the job done against disciplined Aussie bowling. Joe Root hasn't quite fired and that's something the side needs to address. England's main threat lies in the form of fast bowler Jofra Archer. He was excellent in his debut Test and bowled with a lot of pace and bounce. England have a strong bowling unit.
Dream11: A look at the strong unit on offer
We have gone for Rory Burns and Usman Khawaja to lead the batting up the order. Joe Root comes in next and he will look to fire. Labuschagne and Travis Head add steel in the middle. Jos Buttler is the wicket-keeper batsman. Ben Stokes is the main all-rounder. Archer (captain), Cummins (vice-captain) and Chris Woakes are the pacers. Nathan Lyon is the lone spinner.
Timing, TV listing and predicted winners
The match is set to start at 3:30 PM IST. One can watch the match live on Sony Six and Sony Six HD. Both teams have a chance of doing well. England go in as slight favorites into the match.
