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.

You need to be a member of 1Eyed Eel to add comments!

Join 1Eyed Eel

Votes: 0
Email me when people reply –

Latest comments

Mallee57 replied to Diggs for PM's discussion Spence
"Hope he's not too ExSpencive"
3 hours ago
Mallee57 replied to Diggs for PM's discussion Spence
"I Suspencered as much "
3 hours ago
fishbulb replied to Diggs for PM's discussion Spence
"What a great pick up. We're signing Bruce Spence!"
4 hours ago
HH - Love You Iongi Time! replied to Diggs for PM's discussion Spence
"How much time did he Spence touring the facility?"
6 hours ago
Randy Handlinger replied to Hell On Eels's discussion Moderation Note: Forum Standards
"lighten up a bit"
6 hours ago
The Captain replied to Diggs for PM's discussion Spence
"This is a very su-spence-ful post."
6 hours ago
Kurupt - Your Mums Favourite Thug replied to Diggs for PM's discussion Spence
"Spencer"
6 hours ago
Mallee57 replied to Diggs for PM's discussion Spence
"Whose Spence ? "
6 hours ago
LB replied to Diggs for PM's discussion Spence
"Nah he just said "I have a 3 year deal with Parra" they considered that worse than a 15 year sentence in prison, so they just let him go."
6 hours ago
Randy Handlinger replied to Diggs for PM's discussion Spence
"Only way he could get outta prison"
6 hours ago
LB replied to Diggs for PM's discussion Spence
"Hock in disguise."
7 hours ago
Darren Munro replied to Cʜɪᴇғy Mclovin's discussion Iongi playing in NSW Cup today - some positive news
"Ryley will be out for while I presume. Edwards bought to be that mitch kenny type player. I think ea is right on walker that arm is heavily strapped. Who plays walkers role?"
7 hours ago
Prof. Daz replied to Hell On Eels's discussion Moderation Note: Forum Standards
"Richard, I think all of us identify with the relentless negativity. For instance, it's highly likely almost every member of 1EyedEel would qualify as a 'highly identified fan'. That is, very strong connections to the team, versus say social or…"
7 hours ago
Randy Handlinger replied to Diggs for PM's discussion Spence
"Who the fuck is the Spence???"
7 hours ago
Prof. Daz replied to Hell On Eels's discussion Moderation Note: Forum Standards
"Wait, Clintorian, you're suggesting the monotonous sack-a-thon, mostly directed at "management", is, ya know, monotonous? "
8 hours ago
Prof. Daz replied to Hell On Eels's discussion Moderation Note: Forum Standards
"Clintorian, I was thinking the opposite. Play Yeo at prop. Yeo often plays first receiver at Panthers, to get Cleary or Talagi a little wider, but in SOO you cannot rely on that width trick giving you a staggered defensive line? Earlier ball to…"
8 hours 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
Views: 2434

 

Spence

It's been a while. the Spence touring our centre of excellence today. I heard we are signing him before June 30 for 26-27 only. He wants a PNG contract. Not sure if we should bother. Thoughts?

Read more…
11 Replies · Reply by Mallee57 3 hours ago
Views: 386

Spirits crushed

Spirits crushed.. just looking at all the teams in the comp compared to us and Fmd.Newcastle wooden spooners now playing amazing footy and tigers 3 wooden spoons in a row and at full strength brilliant.Just looking at all the shit teams in the last…

Read more…
19 Replies · Reply by Randy Handlinger 11 hours ago
Views: 698

<script src="https://pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/js/adsbygoogle.js"></script>
<!-- Sidebar -->
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<script>// <![CDATA[
(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});
// ]]></script>