Australia will take on England in a 'do-or-die' match after losing the two games played in the five-match Ashes Test cricket series. The 3rd Test will be played at Old Trafford, Manchester on Thursday-Monday.
Where to Watch Live:
The game will start at 3:30 PM IST (Thursday) in India and continue till Monday. It will be telecast live on Ten Cricket channel.
Overview:
Australia are under pressure after losing the first two Test matches. They lost the first Test by 14 runs before conceding an embarrassing 347-run defeat in the second match. The third Test is very crucial for the visitors as a fate of the series hangs on it. In short, they will concede a series defeat if they loss the third Test.
England, on the other hand, are brimming with confidence after having won the first two Tests. The first match was tight but they overpowered the second encounter completely. They will be keen to wrap up the series in the third Test itself.
Previous Meetings:
England and Australia have 31-31 win and five draws record against each other in 67 Ashes series played till date. England defeated Aussies first two Test matches this series.
Team News:
England: Kevin Pietersen's calf injury is a matter of worry for the team. Ian Bell scored a half century in the first innings of the second Test before coming up with a century in the second innings. Joe Root scored 180, while Jonathan Trott and Jonathan Bairstow scored a half century each in the last Test.
On the bowling front, left-armer Monty Panesar spinner has been recalled to the squad to help Graeme Swann, the key performer this series. Fast bowler Chris Tremlett has also been included in the squad. Graeme Swann was the highest wicket taker in the previous Test with nine wickets while Tim Bresnan took four.
Australia: David Warner, who missed the first two Tests after being suspended for punching England's Joe Root at a bar, is likely to return to the team and strengthen the batting line-up. Skipper Michael Clarke and Usman Khawaja scored a half century each in the first innings of the second Test but the batting line-up collapsed like nine pines in the second innings, which will worry the visitors.
James Pattinson has been ruled out of the series due to a back injury and he is expected to be replaced by either Jackson Bird or Mitchell Starc. Ryan Harris took seven wickets in the previous Test, while Steven Smith took four and Peter Siddle three.
Prediction:
England won the first two Test but Australia are expected bounce back and win the must-win match.
Squads:
England: Alastair Cook (captain), Joe Root, Jonathan Trott, Kevin Pietersen, Ian Bell, Jonny Bairstow, Matt Prior, Tim Bresnan, Stuart Broad, Graeme Swann, Steven Finn, James Anderson, Graham Onions, Monty Panesar, Chris Tremlett
Australia: Michael Clarke (captain), Chris Rogers, Ed Cowan, Phil Hughes, Usman Khawaja, David Warner, Shane Watson, James Faulkner, Steve Smith, Brad Haddin, Matthew Wade, Peter Siddle, Ryan Harris, James Pattinson, Mitchell Starc, Jackson Bird, Nathan Lyon, Ashton Agar
