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The tensions are soaring high in the Ashes 2023 as Australia and England men prepare to take on each other in the third Test. It’s a quick turnaround with the match scheduled to begin on July 6 at Headingley. Leading the series by 2-0, Australia head into this match as favourites at 6/5 (2.20) while England have a steeper task at 8/5 (2.60).
These odds from Ladbrokes were correct at the time of writing.
- England vs Australia, The Ashes, 3rd Test
- July 6-July 10, 2023 – 10:00 AM GMT
- Headingley, Leeds
Pitch Report and Weather Conditions
Contents
The pitches at Headingley generally provide good balance. There’s some help for the bowlers while batters can have good success as well. Expect a flatter surface in this game as has been the trend this series. The average first and second innings score from 82 Tests played here reads 300 and 293, respectively.
The weather forecast doesn’t look great as there’s a big possibility of rain on the third and fifth day of the match. There’s over a 70% chance of precipitation on those days and the match could lose a good chunk of overs.
READ: Bairstow’s controversial runout
England vs Australia – Match Predictions
Australia have won the first two Tests and look pretty strong at the moment with no obvious weaknesses. They also have a stronger bowling attack. England, on the other hand, can be vulnerable with the bat.
Prediction 1
Smith to be Australia's Top Run Scorer
9/4 (3.25)
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Odds from
Prediction 2
Wood to be England's Top Bowler
13/5 (3.60)
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Odds from
Top Run-scorer First Innings
Steve Smith was outstanding in the previous Test at Lord’s, scoring a terrific hundred in the first innings. He averages 59 in England and has eight centuries. Bet on Smith to be Australia’s top batter at 9/4 (3.25). Joe Root missed out in the last game but remains England’s best batter. He had scored 118* and 46 in the first Test, and you can back him to be England’s top batter at 2/1 (3.00).
Our Prediction: Steve Smith to be the top run-scorer for Australia in the first innings at 9/4 (3.25).
Top Wicket-taker First Innings
Mark Wood is likely to play in this game and you can expect him to trouble the Aussie batters with short pitch bowling. Bet on Wood to be England’s top bowler at 13/5 (3.60). Mitchell Starc returned to the side in the last game and made an impact with three wickets in each innings. You can bet on Starc to be Australia’s best bowler at 11/4 (3.75).
Our Prediction: Mark Wood to be England’s top wicket-taker in first innings at 13/5 (3.60).
Man of the Match
Steve Smith set up the match for Australia at Lord’s, with a century in the first in what were some testing conditions for batters. Looking at his record against England, he is a good bet to be the player of the match at 10/1 (11.00). Among others, the likes of Travis Head, Ben Stokes, Joe Root and Pat Cummins are top betting options.
Our Prediction: Steve Smith to be the Man of the Match at 10/1 (11.00) odds.
England vs Australia Preview
It’s a do or die situation for England as they are staring at the Ashes series defeat, having lost the first two games. Let’s take a look at two sides before they meet at Headingley on Thursday.
England
England were on top in the first Test on several occasions but they could not seal those. The second Test wasn’t as close and they needed a miracle to win. Ben Stokes blasted an incredible 155 but could not quite get them close enough as they lost by 43 runs.
England will make some changes for this Test, with Ollie Pope ruled out. James Anderson is also likely to be left out along with Ollie Robinson. Dan Lawrence, Moeen Ali and Mark Wood could come into the side.
Squad: Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Dan Lawrence, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Ben Stokes (c), Jonny Bairstow (wk), Moeen Ali, Stuart Broad, Mark Wood, Josh Tongue
Australia
Australia dominated the Lord’s Test for the most part and eventually closed the game despite a Stokes hammering. Steve Smith scored a century in the first innings while Mitchell Starc was the pick of the bowlers with six wickets in two innings.
Australia will have one forced change in this game, with Nathan Lyon ruled out of the series. Todd Murphy should come in as a like-for-like replacement.
Squad: Usman Khawaja, David Warner, Marnus Labuschagne, Steven Smith, Travis Head, Cameron Green, Alex Carey (wk), Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins (c), Todd Murphy, Josh Hazlewood
How to Watch The Ashes in the UK: Live Streaming & Channel List
For those in the UK, you can watch the third Ashes Test live on Sky Sports Cricket. Online streaming will also be available via the Sky Go application.
- Sky Sports Cricket (TV)
- Sky Go (Streaming)
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