A jaw-dropping fourth-innings assault from England skipper Ben Stokes wasn't enough as the home side succumbed to their second successive loss of the series. While Pat Cummins's side took giant strides towards retaining the Ashes, Jonny Bairstow's controversial dismissal hogged the limelight for all the wrong reasons.
Chasing a daunting target, England were in a precarious position in the fourth innings after fiery spells from Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc made light work of the top order. However, the hosts fought back on the fifth day with a solid partnership between Ben Duckett and skipper Ben Stokes.
While Duckett's dismissal opened the gates for the Aussies, a remarkable stumping of Jonny Bairstow ignited the fire in his skipper's belly. Stokes took it upon himself to take his side home, taking on each and every Aussie bowler in a mind-boggling assault. However, he fell after one of the greatest innings by a batter in the fourth innings as the Aussies breathe a huge sigh of relief.
The iconic series has witnessed two intense battles so far, with the second match resulting in a casualty for each side. Australia's Nathan Lyon displayed tremendous valour in walking out to bat despite his calf injury, ruling him out for the remainder of the series. Meanwhile, England's Ollie Pope will also not take any further part in the series after sustaining a shoulder injury in the second Test.
Although Ben Stokes has stated that the team will persist with their approach in the remaining three matches, Pat Cummins' juggernaut has posed a few tough questions for the hosts. England needs to get one over their fierce rivals in the third Test at Headingley, commencing on July 6, if they wish to keep their hopes alive of reclaiming the Ashes.
Pitch and conditions
The surface in Leeds has traditionally offered a bit of early movement to the seamers, much like the other venues in the country. However, spin will play a crucial part in the contest as the pitch is expected to be a bit drier than the previous two venues. Fans can expect a high-scoring affair at the historic venue.
Probable Playing XI For ENG vs AUS
England
Ollie Pope's injury is a big concern for the hosts, with the Three Lions opting against naming a replacement for the middle-order ace. Veteran pacer James Anderson's lean run is also a cause for concern for the home side heading into the crucial Test.
England Probable Playing XI: Ben Duckett, Zak Crawley, Dan Lawrence, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Ben Stokes (c), Jonny Bairstow (wk), Stuart Broad, Josh Tongue, Ollie Robinson, James Anderson
Australia
Pat Cummins-led Australia will be heading into the third Test with a forced change as veteran offie Nathan Lyon has been ruled out for the rest of the series. The young Todd Murphy is expected to make his Ashes debut in Leeds.
Australia Probable Playing XI: David Warner, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Steven Smith, Travis Head, Cameron Green, Alex Carey (wk), Pat Cummins (c), Mitchell Starc, Todd Murphy, Josh Hazlewood
ENG vs AUS Head-to-head
Played – 358 | England- 110 | Australia - 152 | Draw - 96
ENG vs AUS Broadcast and Live Streaming Details
Match Timings: 03:30 PM IST
Live Broadcast: Sony Sports Network
Live Streaming: SonyLiv App & Website
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