AUS vs ENG: Possible Australia Playing 11 for 3rd Test

Possible Australia Playing 11: Australia will face England in the Boxing Day Test at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground. The hosts have already established a 2-0 lead, and a win in the third Test could see them seal the series, with two Tests remaining. Things could not get any better for Australia, as one of their two injured pacers and captain, Pat Cummins returns to the playing 11 after being cleared of covid concerns.

Josh Hazelwood is ruled out for the third Test at MCG, and has instead set his sight on a return in the fourth Test. Except a forced change in the form of Pat Cummins, Australia are unlikely to tinker with their playing 11.

3rd Ashes Test Team News

Josh Hazelwood is ruled out of the third Test, which means Jhye Richardson holds his place in the side.
Pat Cummins returns to the playing 11, replacing Michael Neser to complete the pace bowling trio alongside Starc and Richardson.
Marcus Harris may be given one final chance to prove himself at the top of the order, accompanying David Warner.
Marnus Labuschagne and Steven Smith will bat at number three and number four respectively. Travis Head will come into bat at number 5.
Cameron Green is also a player under pressure and will hope to make it count at the MCG. Green will bat at number 6, with Alex Carey coming in at number 7.

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AUS Playing 11 (likely)

There is a case for replacing Marcus Harris with Usman Khawaja for the MCG Test, as the former has had three failures so far. However, Harris will be given one final opportunity to open the innings alongside David Warner. Marnus Labuschagne is simply unstoppable at the moment, and with Steve Smith scoring runs in the second Test, things do not seem to look good for English bowlers.

Travis Head, Cameron Green and Alex Carey complete the middle order. Green is player who is short on runs, and the pressure will be on him to deliver. Nathan Lyon plays as the leading spinner, with Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins and Jhye Richardson forming the pace attack.

1. David Warner
2. Marcus Harris
3. Marnus Labuschagne
4. Steve Smith
5. Travis Head
6. Alex Carey
7. Cameron Green
8. Nathon Lyon
9. Pat Cummins
10.Mitchell Starc
11. Jhye Richardson

Australia Squad

Australia Squad: Alex Carey (WK), Pat Cummins (C), Cameron Green, Marcus Harris, Travis Head, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Michael Neser, Jhye Richardson, Steve Smith (VC), Mitchell Starc, Mitchell Swepson, David Warner

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