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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Stevo replied to Eels2025's discussion Anyone else feeling a parramatta win tonight?
"I feel a win every week"
4 minutes ago
The Badger replied to LB's discussion 1eE Modern day Eels team: Bench back-rower
" Tougher...went for McCracken as he is a better centre option if the need arises."
21 minutes ago
Bubba j replied to Eels2025's discussion Anyone else feeling a parramatta win tonight?
"I hope so I live up here and dealing with 2 headed donkie supporters is shit let's go Parra smoke these clowns "
28 minutes ago
Eli Stephens replied to Eels2025's discussion Anyone else feeling a parramatta win tonight?
"Not really no, but would like to see an improved performance leading into next week. Broncos probably just too much firepower. "
46 minutes ago
LB replied to Roy tannous's discussion Can Pezet leave already
"Yeah but Daz he could have said they are great players but i am playing for Parra now and i want to beat them etc.
I do not take pressers to seriously as they all say the same thing and are professionally manipulated, as they should be, but i…"
49 minutes ago
LB replied to Eels2025's discussion Anyone else feeling a parramatta win tonight?
"Sure, why not."
51 minutes ago
Prof. Daz replied to Roy tannous's discussion Can Pezet leave already
"Pezet was terrible in defense against the Storm and ineffective with the ball, though we can't expect much playing half in a side going backwards. 
We should not be seeing Pezet talking up his next gig, as that will just turn fans against him…"
1 hour ago
LB replied to LB's discussion 1eE Modern day Eels team: Bench back-rower
"He played Lock a fair bit, so i count that as middle per say. Same with Beau Scott played a bit of Lock for us."
1 hour ago
Parraborn1 replied to Cʜɪᴇғy Mclovin 🐐's discussion Will Penasini out - Jordan Samrani in
"To have someone with 190 games expierence as a depth signing if someone gets injured is pretty good to me. Kelly isn't a starter, he might not even be 1st man up after an injury, but he is good to have in a squad. Not complaining."
1 hour ago
Parraborn1 replied to Roy tannous's discussion Can Pezet leave already
"I give him 2 more weeks before I cast judgment. For a 1 year signing, he better hit the ground running. Storm and Brisbane away is a big ask, but if he's shit vs the Dragons, goodbye."
1 hour ago
Parra fan on The Hill replied to Roy tannous's discussion Can Pezet leave already
"Ditto.
Some Cup will smarten him up."
1 hour ago
Longfin Eel replied to Roy tannous's discussion Can Pezet leave already
"It gives the club time to blood a young 6. Without Pezet the heat would be on Joash from day 1. Obviously Ryles didn't like that idea and wanted someone else to take the heat."
2 hours ago
DYNASTY.LOADING replied to Roy tannous's discussion Eels offering Jordan samrani
"Rep level prop for an outside back with potential. Easy decision "
2 hours ago
Jiver replied to Cʜɪᴇғy Mclovin 🐐's discussion Will Penasini out - Jordan Samrani in
"Samrani going well but not great lateral movement when defending at centre"
2 hours ago
iamnot replied to LB's discussion 1eE Modern day Eels team: Bench back-rower
"Daniel Wagon a middle?? He never played middle his entire career!
Anyway, my pick for this spot is David Solomona or Ice. "
2 hours ago
Mallee57 replied to Cʜɪᴇғy Mclovin 🐐's discussion Will Penasini out - Jordan Samrani in
"Rather Samrani! Does seem odd given the speculation of swapping him for old Barnett. Penisini can be really great at times and then really off at other times. Samrani has been very impressive and seems very strong and determined which is what Parra…"
7 hours ago
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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.

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14 Replies · Reply by Poppa Jan 9
Views: 2188

 

Can Pezet leave already

Jeez..The amount of articles I've seen of Jonah glazing Brisbane and talking bout Ezra and Reece.Not even being focused on us.That could be a massive issue if his heads already in Brisbane and his not focused here.Fck I still hate this signing,just…

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8 Replies · Reply by LB 49 minutes ago
Views: 405

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