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 Clintorian's discussion Panthers put 50 on Storm, you love to see it!
"That day will come soon where the Bulldogs Board have to back either Gus or Ciraldo. If they're smart they know from history that Gus' time is up. If not, they'll inevitably implode. "
6 minutes ago
KingGutho replied to Roy tannous's discussion Charlie guymer extends till 2028
"I think Guymer is a pretty handy re signing, can play middle and a edge, there is a lot of talent coming thru the SG Ball side and flegg atm that will need to resign "
9 minutes ago
LB replied to Clintorian's discussion Panthers put 50 on Storm, you love to see it!
"I wonder how safe Ciraldo is? Galvin is a failure so far, even though I felt around 1 he played well, he just doesn't fit and they are doing him a disservice. Gus will throw Ciraldo under the bus with Galvin decision, if they continue to regress,…"
22 minutes ago
The Badger replied to Roy tannous's discussion Charlie guymer extends till 2028
"Yeah, you're probably right. We have to spend the minimum amount on the cap so all our players are getting overs just to meet that requirement.
Astor being a constant FG player ... Charlie has played 19 games and is in his 3rd season."
23 minutes ago
Muttman replied to Clintorian's discussion Panthers put 50 on Storm, you love to see it!
"Gus always overstays his welcome. Always. "
55 minutes ago
Adam Magrath replied to Clintorian's discussion Panthers put 50 on Storm, you love to see it!
"They've done well to a large extent avoid public scrutiny. On 360 last week I believe the figure they quoted was 46 points in 3 games they'd scored. The season prior with sexton at halfback they were averaging 28 points per game at the same time.…"
57 minutes ago
LB replied to Roy tannous's discussion Charlie guymer extends till 2028
"Doing the bare minimum like he shouldn't be doing this? Seriously such a short sided opinion. 
Yeah it's not signing a superstar but still need to fill out your squad for the future. Dont keep Guymer, could get someone who shouldn't be near NRL to…"
1 hour ago
LB replied to Roy tannous's discussion Charlie guymer extends till 2028
"Oh yeah like a player like McLean would come available anytime soon, particularly with 2 new teams coming in where current clubs try to keep their best quicker to avoid them talking to PNG.
Who currently on the market for next year? For 2028 there…"
1 hour ago
LB replied to Roy tannous's discussion Charlie guymer extends till 2028
"How is it we are being sold like it's Payne Haas? We announce all re-signings like this. Sorry Mutts, though some of what you say I agree with and understand you thoughts on R&R, fair. But come on saying this is bare minimum is ridiculous as it…"
1 hour ago
JC replied to Clintorian's discussion Panthers put 50 on Storm, you love to see it!
"On another note, how good is it seeing Gus derail the bulldogs with his meddling. The dogs will have to do what the panthers did to have real success, get Gus out of the joint."
1 hour ago
JC replied to Clintorian's discussion Panthers put 50 on Storm, you love to see it!
"No they aren't but that doesn't mean it's ok that penrith get favouritism. "
1 hour ago
LB replied to Roy tannous's discussion Charlie guymer extends till 2028
"What Locks win a comp? He can play a role to help."
1 hour ago
LB replied to Roy tannous's discussion Charlie guymer extends till 2028
"How do we know what he is on? But going rate for a constant FG player is usually around 300-400k."
1 hour ago
LB replied to Clintorian's discussion Panthers put 50 on Storm, you love to see it!
"Again refs ain't changing any of these results.  I hate it when people bring up "they have help" even if they lost Cleary they still win, that's been proven in 2023 when he missed half the year.
Last year they were burned out, had a lull and got…"
1 hour ago
Cʜɪᴇғy Mclovin🐐 - Mark O'neill' Sack ! replied to Roy tannous's discussion Charlie guymer extends till 2028
"Who knows.  I think you're right,  could be closer to 300"
1 hour ago
LB replied to Clintorian's discussion Panthers put 50 on Storm, you love to see it!
"They suffocate. They get a lead early and rely on the opponents frustrations then capitalize on field position. They don't panic."
1 hour ago
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