After grabbing the ICC Cricket World Cup 2019, England didn’t make an ideal start to the Ashes 2019 and are trailing 1-0 after first two Test matches. Nevertheless, the first two clashes of the series proved to be a treat for the cricket fans as both the encounters were filled with action and crunch moments. The first match witnessed the return of the banned trio of David Warner, Steve Smith and Cameron Bancroft while in the second match, England’s new pace sensation Jofra Archer made his much-anticipated Test debut. The first two games saw some mini-battles between the players and below is the list of some more such battles, which fans can witness in the third Test at Headingley Cricket Ground in Leeds. England vs Australia Cricket Score 3rd Test Match in The Ashes, 2019.

Steven Smith scored a twin century in the first Test and led the visitors to victory. The former Australian skipper was all set to notch his third ton of the series but got hit by a nasty bouncer from Jofra Archer in the second Test and was forced to leave the field. Courtesy the injury, Smith eventually was ruled out of the remainder of the match as well as the Third Test. However, the rain-affected encounter resulted in a draw. As the third Test match between England and Australia, let’s check out some mini-battles that will be exciting to watch in the encounter. Ashes 2019, 3rd Test Match Preview: Steve Smith-Sans Australia Rule Out Bouncer Battle, Aim For 2-0 Lead Over England at Headingley.

David Warner vs Jofra Archer

Steve Smith might not be able to participate in the third Test match but his partner in crime David Warner can still be a threat to the hosts. However, the southpaw is going through a rough patch and will like to end his drought with a blistering knock. Jofra Archer dismissed the opener in the first encounter and will look to get better of him one more time and this mini-battle might well bring a lot of action for the fans.

 Joe Root vs Pat Cummins

England skipper Joe Root has not performed as per his standards in the first two Ashes Test and the right-handed-batsman will look to end his dry run at Headingley. However, Australian pacer Pat Cummins might well be his biggest challenge as the pacer is in stellar form and has even dismissed Root earlier in the series. Now, only time will tell who will dominate the battle between Cummins and Root! Dream11 Team ENG vs AUS Predictions: Tips to Select Best All-Rounders, Batsmen, Bowlers & Wicket-Keepers for England vs Australia Ashes 2019 3rd Test Match.

Ben Stokes vs Nathan Lyon

The southpaw didn’t stop after guiding England to the Cricket World Cup 2019. In the second Test of the series, Stokes scored a splendid hundred and proved his mettle in the whites as well. However, left-handed batsman tends to struggle against the off-spinners and Australia certainly has great offie. Nathan Lyon will put his best effort to dismiss Stokes and this battle can also prove crucial in the context of the game.

So, these were some battles where the fans can witness a tight rivalry between willow and red cherry. Australia might be leading the series but will go in the match without the services of Steve Smith. On the other hand, England has made a decent comeback at lords after losing the first match and will aim to level the series at Headingley.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 21, 2019 08:16 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).