AUS vs ENG: Australia's Predicted Playing XI vs England, Ashes 2021-22, 3rd Test

Australia put in dominant performances in the first two Tests of the Ashes 2021 and managed to win both games. In four innings, the Aussies notched scores in excess of 400 twice and also bundled out England for below-par totals.

They currently lead the five-match series by a 2-0 margin and one more win can help them win the series and retain the urn. Australia would look to continue their dominant performance ahead of the third Test in Melbourne. Let’s take a look at Australia’s playing XI for the third Test.

AUS vs ENG: Australia’s Predicted Playing XI vs England, Ashes 2021-22, 3rd Test

Openers: David Warner and Marcus Harris

David Warner has fared well with the bat in the series. He played a sensational 95-run knock of 167 balls in the first innings of the second Test. In 2 Tests, he has managed to score 202 runs at 67.33.

Though, his partner, Marcus Harris hasn’t been in great touch. He hasn’t struggled to hit the straps. His scores in the series read: 3, 9*, 3 and 23. The team, however, has backed him to do well and retained him for the third Test as well. It will be interesting to see how he bats in Melbourne.

Middle-Order: Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Travis Head and Alex Carey (WK)

Australia has two of the best Test batters in the middle-order in the form of Marnus Labuschagne and Steve Smith. Their presence makes the team a formidable batting unit. Labuschagne surpassed Joe Root to become the number one Test batsman in the second Test. He played a sensational 103 in the first innings and followed it with another vital 51 in the second innings.

Steve Smith too looked great for his stellar 93 in Australia’s first innings. Travis Head and Alex Carey too has been in great touch. The former is currently the second-highest run-scorer in the series, while Carey scored his maiden half-century in the last game.

Bowlers: Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon and Scott Boland

Skipper Pat Cummins, who missed out on the second Test, will return to the team for the Boxing Day Test. He had a great outing in his first game as a full-time captain, picking 7 wickets in the match. Cummins would look to continue his fine run in the series.

In the absence of Hazlewood and Cummins in the second Test, Mitchell Starc bowled exceptionally well. He picked 4 wickets in the first innings and followed it with 2 in the second. Nathan Lyon was also brilliant with the ball, picking 5 wickets in the match.

Jhye Richardson, who picked a five-for in the last game, will sit out in the third Test due to a leg injury. Josh Hazlewood hasn’t recovered from his injury either. In the absence of both the players, Scott Boland will make his debut in the third Test.