Ashes 2019: Australia Drop Three Players for the Third Test

Ashes 2019 has been giving surprises with every Test match, be it Jofra Archer–Steve Smith battle or Australia made shocking changes in their line-up. However, Australia are all set to take on England for the third Ashes Test at Headingley, Leeds from August 22. Before the game starts, Australia made some major changes in their squad. While Marcus Harris set to replace Cameron Bancroft at the top of the order, pace spearhead James Pattinson is all set to return in place of Peter Siddle.

Apart from these two changes, there is another one change in the third test of Ashes 2019. where Marcus Labuschagne has already come in place of Steve Smith in the second innings of the second test and scored a well-made half-century. During the second test, Steve Smith was hit on the uncovered area of his neck by a bouncer of Jofra Archer. although he was retired hurt at 80, he returned to bat after some time and finally fell for 92. Unfortunately, Smith failed the second concussion test and Labuschagne replaced him in the squad.

With this concussion replacement, Australia made three changes to give more strength in the squad and fill Smith’s role in the middle order. Although everyone thought of Bancroft’s place in the squad despite his struggle to score, it seems the selectors had some other plan in mind.

However, it was no surprise as both Bancroft and David Warner were failing to score big and provided a steady start to the team. Even Usman Khwaja also failed to give strength at the top of the order for the last two tests. Harris, who replaced Bancroft, has played six Tests where he scored two fifties against India. He is expected to grab the opportunity and do well in the third Test.

Although the changes won’t be confirmed until the toss takes place at Leeds, it is expected Australia would leave no stone unturned to win the Test.

Australia’s likely XI:

Marcus Harris, David Warner, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Travis Head, Matthew Wade, Tim Paine (Captain, Wicket-keeper), Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, James Pattinson, Nathan Lyon