Ashes 2017/18: Australia's Predicted XI For the Third Test

Australia have a 2-0 lead in the Ashes series after beating England by 120 runs in the day-night Test as the Adelaide Oval in Adelaide. England need to win the third Test to keep the series alive and retain the Ashes. With the third Test to be played at the WACA in Perth, the selectors are considering to pick up local lad and all rounder Mitchell Marsh for the third Test.

Mitchell’s brother Shaun Marsh was adjudged man-of-the-match for his 126* in the first innings and has certainly cemented a place for himself in the team. But Peter Handscomb might be put to the sword in the next Test for his low scores in the first two Tests. Handscomb has scored 14, 36 and 12 in the first three innings of the Ashes series and cricket pundits have criticized him for his unusual batting technique which majorly depends on the back foot making him vulnerable against the swing bowling.

Rest of the Australian players have contributed towards the success of the team in the first two Tests and the management might not make many changes to the squad for the third Test.

Let’s have a look the Australian predicted XI for the third Test at WACA.

David Warner

David Warner has been one of Australia’s most consistent batsman at the top of the order and has scored 174 runs in the two Tests.

Cameron Bancroft

Cameron Bancroft impressed in the second innings of the first Test as he scored 82* in a comfortable run chase and has scored 101 in the two Tests.

Usman Khawaja

Usman Khawaja impressed in the second Test as he scored 53 in the first innings and then 20 in the second innings.

Steven Smith (C)

World’s number one batsman Steven Smith has been the pillar of Australian batting in the ongoing series. He has scored 187 in the two Tests.

Shaun Marsh

Shaun Marsh was adjudged the man of the match in the second Test for his 126* and might move a spot above in the batting line up after Peter Handscomb axing.

Tim Paine (Wk)

Tim justified his selection in the second Test when he scored a half century when his team needed runs down the order. He has done well with the gloves as well.

Mitchell Marsh

All rounder, Mitchell Marsh has been recalled to the Australian squad and might get a chance in the third for his impressive performances in the domestic circuit.

Pat Cummins

Pat Cummins has been a transition in the bowling department for the Australian side in the ongoing Ashes giving the hosts crucial breakthroughs at important intervals.

Mitchell Starc

Mitchell Starc has spearheaded the Australian bowling department for some time now and has picked up 14 wickets in the two Tests which includes a five wicket haul in the second innings of the second Test.

Josh Hazelwood

Josh Hazelwood took the important wicket of Joe Root in the second Test which turned the match on its head.

Nathan Lyon

Nathan Lyon has picked up 11 wickets in the two Ashes Tests and has been inspirational in both the wins.