Ashes Third Test, Headingley

Australia lead the series 1-0 after winning the first Test at Edgbaston and drawing at Lord's.

The Aussies will be without former captain and the best batsman in the world after Steve Smith was ruled out with concussion following a Jofra Archer bouncer that struck him on the neck in his first innings at Lord's.

Marnus Labuschagne is expected to fill Smith's spot like he did at Lord's when he entered the fray as Test cricket's first ever concussion substitute where he scored an admirable 59 runs, helping to steer Australia to a draw on the final day.

It's expected that Peter Siddle will drop out of the side to allow for the return of James Pattinson who was rested for the second Test. Mitchell Starc seems destined to remain on drinks duty.

England meanwhile are expected to name an unchanged 11 although they may tinker with the make up of the batting order. Joe Root has struggled at first drop, while Jason Roy has failed to make the switch from opening in the ODI team to becoming a Test opener. Root is expected to move down to four with Joe Denly jumping into the number three position.

Many are talking about the effect of Jofra Archer's entry into Test cricket. Interestingly, his debut performance lands him as just the 312th best bowler on debut with overall figures of 5/91. He need only look across at his opponents in Pat Cummins (7/117) and Josh Hazlewood (7/142) who had better debut figures.

The Headingley pitch is rumoured to be a slow deck that will crumble and break up towards the end of the match. An interesting decision by the ground staff there given Australia's Nathan Lyon has been collecting wickets for fun and spun the English into knots in the first Test.

As always the toss will be important and Tim Paine will be hoping his luck continues. This will likely be a bat first pitch because no one will be looking to bat last on a decaying deck.

Play starts at 8pm AEST tonight so get your picture-in-picture going or set up a second screen to make sure you don't miss the first ball while watching the Eels belt the Dogs.

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Cʜɪᴇғy Mclovin🐐 - Mark O'neill's Sack ! replied to Eli Stephens's discussion Bro
"Ea and LB
Question to those in the know, is this post a certainty 
Possible cup 2026 and nrl 27 ?????"
12 minutes ago
Parrafan101 replied to Eli Stephens's discussion Bro
"I know but sometimes money talks, and look with Hass and DCE. I won't count it out, with tago I reckon he's the one to come our way and the reason why because Jake is at parra and meanwhile at panthers they are more inclined to just keep stacking up…"
14 minutes ago
LB replied to Eli Stephens's discussion Bro
"Oh I agree, Su'A is more a luxary for us. If we can't get say Keaon, I'm using as an example if things get worse, Su'A becomes more of a luxury."
22 minutes ago
LB replied to Eli Stephens's discussion Bro
"It's actually great parenting. Takes pressure of them. Then when we sign him there is no nepotism involved as he made it himself."
23 minutes ago
LB replied to Eli Stephens's discussion Bro
"He was training in captain's run. So he will be in 19 with Teancum Brown dropping out.
Now whether it is Volkman or him at 19 remains to be seen."
23 minutes ago
LB replied to Eli Stephens's discussion Bro
"Yeo I reckon would retire a Panther. Tago is realistic."
24 minutes ago
Parrafan101 replied to Eli Stephens's discussion Bro
"Maybe try and poach the couch man brothers"
36 minutes ago
Parrafan101 replied to Eli Stephens's discussion Bro
"Reckon we could nab Tago and get Yeo since he comes off contract in the end of 27. Come on we need a 13 and a prop maybe Mariota or Cotter ??"
41 minutes ago
EA replied to Joel K's discussion Bulldogs and Dolphins in talks with Apa Twidle
"Richard your someone that's been watching him properly as you say. His attacking upside is great. But are you worried by the fact his defence and high ball decision is not improving. Plus the difference between his good and bad game is still big "
1 hour ago
Parra fan on The Hill replied to Joel K's discussion Bulldogs and Dolphins in talks with Apa Twidle
"I cant blame Apa for testing the market. League is a gladiatorial sport and your next game could be your last. You train all your life for a major payday. Look at poor Hayze Dunster ( done just when he made the team) or Stephen Arthur-Miller…"
1 hour ago
parra supporter replied to Eli Stephens's discussion Bro
"Other news talentina has moved from 22nd man to 20th man. Think debut is looking more likely."
1 hour ago
EA replied to Eli Stephens's discussion Bro
"Again missing the point lol. I am just saying middles and outside backs are the more immediate concern that backrow."
1 hour ago
Clintorian replied to Eli Stephens's discussion Bro
"Could Timiko play wing? He's a pretty powerful center, just not sure if he has the speed?"
1 hour ago
Clintorian replied to Eli Stephens's discussion Bro
"We could keep Kelma if the contract was reasonable. "
1 hour ago
Parraboy replied to Eli Stephens's discussion Bro
"It's done. He'll be here in the next couple of weeks too. "
1 hour ago
Clintorian replied to Eli Stephens's discussion Bro
"Fuck no. Too many rocks to diamonds."
1 hour ago
More…

Keaon done deal

As of Thursday, December 11, 2025, South Sydney Rabbitohs forwardKeaon Koloamatangi has reportedly agreed to a deal with the Parramatta Eels, but it is not yet officially announced by the clubs.  Soon to be announced.

Read more…
14 Replies · Reply by Poppa Jan 9
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