England vs Australia, 3rd Ashes Test, Leeds: Preview, predictions, likely XIs

This has all the makings of one of the greatest ever Test series. Australia lead 1-0 heading into the Leeds, but just barely. They were made to fight for a draw in the second Test, having been made to face the full force of a Jofra Archer special – all pace and bounce. Now it seems they’ll have to face him in Headingley without the services of their premier batsman, Steve Smith, who is out after being concussed in Lord’s following a hit on the head off an Archer bouncer.

It’s anybody’s guess how the third Test will progress, though. Marnus Labuschagne deputised for Smith beautifully as the first concussion substitute in Test cricket. His half-century was integral in Australia eeking out a draw.

That said, how will the Australian batsmen react to England’s bodyline approach? In the nets in the build up to the match, the Australian pacers were seen peppering batsmen with short balls to prepare them for the onslaught. However, Justin Langer, the Australia coach, said his side wouldn’t adopt England’s intense approach, although it might be that the side opt to counter Archer with their own pace ace – Mitchell Starc.

As far as England are concerned, their efforts in the second Test, as inspiring as it was, hasn’t lent to concrete results – they still trail 1-0, with three matches left. A victory in Headingley is imperative if they are to retain the Ashes, given Australia won the series the last time.

There’s everything to play for.

Head to head

The clash at Headingley will be the 349th between these two sides. Australia have the upper hand in the rivalry, with 145 wins to their 108. They also have won more matches in Headingley than England, with 9 victories to the home side’s 7. They won their last match here by an innings and 80 runs. Will they make it 2-0?

Key players

Jofra Archer (England): The paceman made one of the deadliest debuts in recent Test history, and sent shockwaves down Australia’s spine. However, Australia will likely be better prepared for his short-ball barrage. Does that mean he will go back to his yorker – he possesses a great one – or does he have another trick up his sleeve? Whatever it is, he’ll make for an incredible viewing.

Marnus Labuschagne (Australia): The 25-year-old was excellent as a substitute in the second Test, but the obvious question to ask now is whether he will able to do that as a starter? He’ll have to face up to some menacing pace bowling, and this time, the pressure will be on him to keep the scoreboard moving as well, not just to grind out a draw. How will he fare?

Likely XIs

England: Jason Roy, Rory Burns, Joe Root (c), Joe Denly, Jos Buttler, Ben Stokes, Jonny Bairstow (wk), Chris Woakes, Stuart Broad, Jofra Archer, Jack Leach.

Australia: Cameron Bancroft, David Warner, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Laubuschagne, Travis Head, Matthew Wade, Tim Paine (c/wk), Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Josh Hazlewood.

Prediction

England to ride on the momentum and make it 1-1.