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Australia Eye The Urn; England Seek Turnaround at Headingley | Match Details, Pitch Report, Fantasy Tips & Prediction

image-ljpeiubsAustralia have 2-0 lead in Ashes 2023 (AP Photo)

The Ashes 2023 sees Australia holding a commanding 2-0 lead as the series moves to Leeds for the third Test on Thursday, July 6 at Headingley. The first two games were nail-biting affairs, with the Aussies putting on a masterclass in holding nerves during crunch moments.


Team Previews

England

image-ljpeo3zlStokes' usual out-of-the-box thinking has failed so far in Ashes 2023 (AP Photo)

England skipper, Ben Stokes, having won the toss, chose to bowl first in conditions seemingly favourable for their bowling attack. But the Australian batters were up to the task as they held their ground. Steve Smith led the charge with a stellar 85 on Day 1, steering his side to 339-5 by the end of the first day. 

Despite Australia's promising start and Smith’s century, England's bowling pack fought back, restricting the tourists to 416. However, England's response of 325 was a letdown, with a conspicuous failure of the middle order as none of the lower six batters could manage a score beyond 20. Notably,

The hosts showed signs of resurgence in the second innings, bundling Australia out for 279. The resulting 371-run target was challenging but achievable. Unfortunately, apart from a magnificent 155 by Stokes and a fighting 83 from Duckett, the remaining batters failed to contribute significantly, causing England to fall short by 43 runs.


Australia

image-ljpep98nCummins-led unit have gained a 2-nil lead in Ashes 2023 (AP Photo)

Australia, meanwhile, have been ruthlessly effective in the series. Besides Smith, the brilliance of their players, including crucial contributions from David Warner and Travis Head along with a clinical bowling performance, led by the returning Mitchell Starc, helped them secure a significant 91-run first-innings lead.

Although Australia's second innings concluded at 279, the substantial lead from the first innings left England with a challenging target of 371 to chase. Australia's pace battery, led by Starc, Pat Cummins, and Josh Hazlewood, rose to the occasion, claiming three wickets apiece and securing a memorable victory for the tourists.

The match, however, was not devoid of controversy, with a controversial run-out of Jonny Bairstow by Australian wicketkeeper Alex Carey igniting tensions and fuelling the rivalry. As the action moves to Leeds, England will be eager to claw their way back into the series, while Australia will aim to maintain their winning momentum an retain the urn.


Match Details

Date and Time: July 6, 3:30 PM IST

Venue: Headingley, Leeds

Live Streaming: Sony Sports Network and Sony Liv App


Pitch Report: Headingley is renowned for being one of England's most batter-friendly pitches. However, fast bowlers will come into play under overcast conditions. Over the years, teams winning the toss have usually chosen to bat first in order to expolit the batting friendly conditions. 

Notably, in the 2019 Ashes, the ground hosted a thrilling match, featuring a phenomenal fourth-innings performance by Ben Stokes which helped England snatch victory from the jaws of defeat. 

As far as the record at Headingley is concerned, out of the 78 games played at the venue, the team batting first has emerged victorious 29 times, while teams chasing have clinched 31 victories. The remaining 18 matches have concluded in a stalemate. The captain winning the toss is likely to bat first.


Predicted XI

England: Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Harry Brook, Joe Root, Ben Stokes (c), Dan Lawrence, Jonny Bairstow (wk), Stuart Broad, Ollie Robinson, Josh Tongue, Mark Wood

Australia: David Warner, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Travis Head, Cameron Green, Alex Carey (wk), Pat Cummins (c), Todd Murphy, Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood


Cricket Exchange Fantasy Tips

Wicket-keepers: Ben Duckett, Jonny Bairstow

Batters: Steve Smith, Usman Khawaja, Joe Root, Marnus Labuschagne

All-rounders: Ben Stokes

Bowlers: Josh Hazlewood, Pat Cummins, Stuart Broad, Josh Tongue

Captain: Steve Smith

Vice Captain: Joe Root


Prediction

Historically, Australia, with 9 wins at Headingley against England's 8, has the upper hand. Given their current form, the visitors are the favourites to clinch another tightly contested game and retain the urn.