Struggling tourists look to spin to regain lead
England vs Australia - 3rd Test
Old Trafford, Manchester
1st-5th August
It has been a difficult couple of weeks for Australia, who after victory in the first Test completely blew their chances in the second. They then went on to register an embarassing loss at Hove to hand the Invitationals their first win of the summer.
All is not lost - the series remains 1-1 after all - and the Australian spin battery will fancy their chances of becoming a threat on a dry Old Trafford pitch, while England only have the one spinner to call on. The Australians' middle order should also give them an advantage over the hosts. Haddin, Super and Loblaw have all had their moments on tour while Spark and Monk both reached hundreds in the last Test. If these players can come together as a unit, England could be in serious trouble.
PN Suifdadny - rested for the match at Hove - will resume his place in the side to aid an unreliable attack. With turn expected to be there from the outset at Old Trafford, EC Player seems to be the one to miss out. MW Monk will also come back in to strengthen the middle order.
The winning England team, meanwhile, is expected to remain unchanged.
Expected XIs:
England: Fertang, Pickup, Moody, Robertson, Wood, Ardley, Deen, Smithington-Smythe, Myheart, Furball, Force
Australia: Burridge, Lewis, Super, Monk, Spark, Loblaw, Haddin, Wayne, Suifdadny, Coco, Stephen