Ashes 2023England and Bazball under threat as Australia aim to seal series in Headingley

By Alan Jose John England and Bazball are facing the biggest test of their credentials during the ongoing Ashes series and now will have to tap into their arsenal and almost pull off a major comeback, starting with the Headingley Test.

Ben Stokes and his men have stayed true to their approach even in the second Test, but losing wickets at crucial points once again came to haunt them at Lord’s. After Australia had posted 418 in the first innings, England had the perfect start and it seemed like they would end up overhauling the score by their arch-rivals with relative ease.

But quick wickets changed the complexion of the whole game and Australia set them a target of 371 runs to win and had a casualty in the form of Nathan Lyon, who suffered a calf injury during day two.

Despite this, the England chase was far from ideal as the top order crumbled and Ben Duckett and Ben Stokes had to steady the ship. But then, the spotlight fell on the controversial Jonny Bairstow dismissal, which is still being discussed even now.

Stokes then brought back the memories of Headingley 2019 with a stunning knock, but Australia would claim the win in the end. With the series now 2-0 in favour of Australia, England and Bazball have a huge task ahead of them.

But mountains are meant to be climbed, and for the hosts and their entertainment mantra, it is now or never.

England make wholesome changes

And they have started with some big moves to their lineup for the Headingley Test. James Anderson, who has struggled in the first two matches, will be sitting out the match in Headingley, with Mark Wood and Chris Woakes making their return to the side.

Ollie Pope’s absence seems to have opened the door for Harry Brook to have a new role in the side at No.3, if the British media reports are to be believed. Moeen Ali is also back to add some depth to the batting and contribute with the ball as well.

The only surprise was the omission of Josh Tongue, who was one of the best England bowlers at Lord’s, and had dismissed Steve Smith twice. Woakes inclusion could have also been due to his contribution with the bat.

England XI: Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Harry Brook, Joe Root, Jonny Bairstow, Ben Stokes (c), Moeen Ali, Chris Woakes, Mark Wood, Ollie Robinson, Stuart Broad.

Time to end Ashes jinx for Australia

It will be more of the same for Australia. They were criticized for their defensive approach since the first day, but they have shut out the noise and let their performances do the talking on the field. Steve Smith has found form at the right time and is all set to play his 100th Test. The star batter has already expressed his wish to seal the Ashes at Headingly and it would end the jinx for them on English shores.

Australia’s last Ashes win in England was way back in 2001 and this team looks to be in primed to end the jinx. They would be wary of Headingley and Stokes though, as the now-England captain hit a fine hundred to set up a famous win and stop the Aussies in 2019.

However, Cummins and his side will be confident they can seal the series and will probably make one change to the side. With Lyon out of the series, the young Todd Murphy will be expected to come in place for the veteran spinner.

Australia Predicted XIDavid Warner, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Travis Head, Alex Carey (wk), Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, Todd Murphy.