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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Coryn Hughes replied to Roy tannous's discussion Ouch
"The issue what your finding here with the constant TOer is continually swapping out combinations.You can't compete that way we've got to keep these guys together for as long as possible.I mean right now if true not only are you losing Pezet in 27…"
3 hours ago
Blue Eel replied to Roy tannous's discussion Ouch
"Nailed it Chief. "
3 hours ago
The Captain commented on HKF’s status
"Unfortunately you can't fix stupid and bored - two attributes these destabilizing morons have in spades.
We only have to look at the Tigers if we want a reminder of what happens when you let power hungry, unintelligent and inexperienced people run…"
4 hours ago
Cʜɪᴇғy Mclovin 🐐 replied to Roy tannous's discussion Ouch
"I can only guess that The bears offered somewhere around 550k, and we didn't want to get into a bidding war for a player who is replaceable.  Russell doesn't have good athletic ability for an outside back, and our for and against suffered for it in…"
7 hours ago
LB replied to Roy tannous's discussion Ouch
"Except Brian Kelly."
8 hours ago
LB replied to Roy tannous's discussion Ouch
"From the talk on Nanva many saying he would be a better back-rower."
8 hours ago
Longfin Eel replied to Roy tannous's discussion Ouch
"Russell has a few young players breathing down his neck. It really depends on injuries and form of these guys. A great opportunity for a young bloke to cement a first grade spot."
9 hours ago
The Badger replied to Roy tannous's discussion Ouch
"In another blog, EA stated him/her/them is in India"
11 hours ago
Frank The Tank replied to Roy tannous's discussion Ouch
"Russell has surprised the hell out of me this year and it's been great watching him develop.
If true it will be sad to see him go. 
My bet is we don't sign anyone and just promote from within."
12 hours ago
Frank The Tank replied to Roy tannous's discussion Ouch
"This.......is the Parra way unfortunately."
12 hours ago
HKF commented on HKF’s status
"View as a web page

Dear JOHN

I am writing to inform you that a petition has been lodged by a group of Members for inclusion in our 2026 AGM. There are four distinct resolutions proposed by the group that seek to reverse the governance reforms…"
14 hours ago
KingGutho replied to Roy tannous's discussion Ouch
"Araz nanva is about the only one, and Cyrus Bloomfield  who can play centre and fullback, other then that no one "
15 hours ago
DYNASTY.LOADING replied to Roy tannous's discussion Ouch
"This is great. A fantastic advertisement for any fringey, we are now a club you can come to and grow within. Ryles is the one! Good on SR for continuing to work hard and now provide for his family by cashing in. All the best to him"
17 hours ago
Gaz Nelson replied to Roy tannous's discussion Ouch
"Yep agreed. Russell has come along way and is now a serviceable player, doesn't do a whole lot in attack but is a big body that plugs a whole. 
Looking forward to see what Richie can do. Just hope he's not another project "
yesterday
LB replied to Roy tannous's discussion Ouch
"Well Kelly makes a bit more sense now."
yesterday
LB replied to Roy tannous's discussion Ouch
"Well Brown saw out his contract too. He was a free agent when signing for Newcastle. Yes had options but still a free agent as he didn't activate it."
yesterday
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