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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Muttman replied to ParramattaLurker's discussion South Sydney tables final offer as Keaon Koloamatangi weighs up $1 million offers
"I think he'll stay at Souths but Wayne has never paid big money for Props. He's very open about that. He's coached some great ones and most left for big money elsewhere. Depends how close the dollars are here. I'm sure he wants to stay at Souths but…"
10 hours ago
Coryn Hughes replied to ParramattaLurker's discussion South Sydney tables final offer as Keaon Koloamatangi weighs up $1 million offers
"It's not close Pops because the chances of us landing him let lone targeting him are slim.
Nah mate time to go looking elsewhere."
11 hours ago
Tin Tim replied to ParramattaLurker's discussion South Sydney tables final offer as Keaon Koloamatangi weighs up $1 million offers
"They have up their offer, South are also after an Rnglish international. Not sure as a replacement or to add to him they will be competitive 2026. Either way, I can't see him leaving if the new offer close to a million, his junior club, grew up in…"
19 hours ago
Michael W. replied to ParramattaLurker's discussion South Sydney tables final offer as Keaon Koloamatangi weighs up $1 million offers
"Maybe he's worried about how he will be treated if he decides to leave, I think he will stay."
20 hours ago
Mark replied to ParraPride's discussion Ryan Matterson
"No wrong rehab, he's developed a serious creatine addiction and is trying to get sober. "
21 hours ago
Mark replied to ParraPride's discussion Ryan Matterson
"There is no way on Earth that any club will be foolish enough to give him a contract even if he takes out The Daly M.  He's a cancerous wanker. "
21 hours ago
Mark replied to ParraPride's discussion Ryan Matterson
"I'd promise him a contract at years end if he performs and then change our mind and say , oh sorry mate. "
21 hours ago
Hector replied to ParramattaLurker's discussion South Sydney tables final offer as Keaon Koloamatangi weighs up $1 million offers
"Now he is saying he is in no hurry to make a decision might wait till later in the year . Pull the offer stuff him"
21 hours ago
LB replied to ParraPride's discussion Ryan Matterson
"He's 32, if he has a great year it could be his last."
22 hours ago
LB replied to ParraPride's discussion Ryan Matterson
"Take advantage of it, just don't re-sign him."
22 hours ago
Yehez replied to ParraPride's discussion Ryan Matterson
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As people said as long as don't fall for it for another contract. But he's…"
22 hours ago
playthedoors replied to ParraPride's discussion Ryan Matterson
"Here's how I think the 'mending the fences' discussion went:
RM: Jase, I'm off contract at the end of the year, I'd love to get over to the Bears for a final pay day. Get out of your hair, know what I mean...
JR: Well rip the fuck in Ryan, don't be…"
yesterday
Parra_Greg replied to ParramattaLurker's discussion South Sydney tables final offer as Keaon Koloamatangi weighs up $1 million offers
"Souths for sure ...Id be shocked if we can actually land someone."
yesterday
Clintorian replied to ParraPride's discussion Ryan Matterson
"Well, if we can't get rid of him I hope he does have a great year. Good time to earn another contract somewhere else."
yesterday
Blue Eel replied to ParraPride's discussion Ryan Matterson
"Don't you just love a feel good story, facts don't matter though. Love how Matterson has been in the rehab group all off season, but the article states he has been a leader at pre season training, and a man reborn. Still trying to trick another club…"
yesterday
Frank The Tank replied to ParramattaLurker's discussion South Sydney tables final offer as Keaon Koloamatangi weighs up $1 million offers
"Next....."
yesterday
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ANY MORE SIGNINGS???

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