The Ashes 2013: England vs. Australia Third Test Date, Start Time and Preview
After taking a commanding 2-0 lead, England head into tomorrow's third Ashes Test with every chance of securing a resounding series victory.
The hosts have dominated thus far and another win would see them take a 3-0 lead for the first time since way back in 1977, when Australia could muster only two draws.
After a narrow triumph in the first Test, England destroyed their opponents at Lord's last time out—winning by 347 runs after fine performances from Joe Root and Graeme Swann in particular.
Australia must win to have any chance of claiming back the famous urn, although they will require a huge upturn in form after humiliation in the second Test.
What: 2013 Ashes Series Third Test
Who: England vs. Australia
Where: Old Trafford, Manchester, England
When: August 1-5, 6 a.m. ET/11 a.m. ET
Broadcast: Sky Sports (UK), Willow Cricket (USA), GEM/FOX Sports (AUS)
Preview
Australian batsman David Warner is available for selection after returning from suspension for punching English youngster Root in a bar.
The Aussies have struggled for runs in the opening two Tests so Warner is likely to be recalled according to BBC Sport, particularly after scoring an impressive 193 for Australia A against South Africa A in Pretoria last week.
Fast bowler James Pattinson is now targeting a return to the Australia squad in time for the winter Ashes after being withdrawn with a stress fracture in his back. Jackson Bird remains favourite to replace him.
For England, James Taylor, Chris Tremlett and Monty Panesar have been included in a 14-man squad for the visit to Manchester.
The players dropped are Steven Finn and Graham Onions, while batsman Kevin Pietersen is included as he continues to recover from a troublesome calf injury.
How Finn and his replacement Tremlett compare, according to ESPNcricinfo:
Steven Finn
Tests 23 Wickets 90 Ave 29.40 SR 48.3
Chris Tremlett
Tests 11 Wickets 49 Ave 26.75 SR 54.8
The inclusion of bowlers Tremlett and Panesar is believed to be because of the conditions expected at Old Trafford, where pace and spin often prove vital.
However, it is unlikely that coach Andy Flower will change the bowling attack that served him and England so well in the second Test at Lord's.
Victory for England would ensure the urn is retained ahead of the winter Ashes, which have been added later this year to ensure there isn't a clash with the 2015 World Cup.
