The Ashes 2013: Players to Watch in England vs. Australia Third Test

After a convincing 347-run victory in the second Test at Lord's, England head into Thursday's third Test hoping to wrap up the Ashes series at the earliest possible opportunity.

In their way stands an Australia team battered and bruised after humiliation at the home of cricket, but one that will be determined not to suffer the same fate again.

Old Trafford plays host to this intriguing battle, which will see either England retain the famous urn or the Aussies keep the series alive for at least a while longer.

There will be plenty of talent on show in Manchester, but here's a look at four of the key men set to play a part this week.

Joe Root

England's most impressive player in the last Test, Joe Root scored 180 to set his country on its way to a comfortable victory at Lord's.

The 22-year-old, playing in his first Ashes series, has drawn widespread praise for his maturity, consistency and attitude.

Already second in the batting order, Root has quickly become a vital part of Andy Flower's side, and England fans will be expecting another big performance from him this week.

If he finds the form he showed in the last Test, Australia's bowlers could be in for a very tough time.

Graeme Swann

With the Old Trafford wicket expected to turn, the third Test is set up perfectly for Graeme Swann to have a major say in where the urn ends up.

The conditions should suit England's off-spinner well, and if he can retain the form that saw him take nine wickets in the second Test then Australia's batsmen will need to be at their very best to stand any chance.

Those nine victims also pushed Swann into the England Test wicket-takers top 10, his 235 wickets now eclipsing the 229 of Darren Gough. 

A repeat performance of the second Test would see Swann jump another place, ahead of Andy Caddick.

David Warner

Australian batsman David Warner is available for selection after returning from suspension for punching English prodigy Root in a bar after a Champions Trophy game in June.

The Aussies have struggled for runs in the opening two Tests, and Warner will be under pressure to contribute on his return to the side.

Coach Darren Lehmann will be disappointed by the performances of his batsmen, particularly opener Chris Rogers, who has managed just 89 runs in four Test innings so far.

Warner showed his class by scoring 193 for Australia A against South Africa A in Pretoria last week and will need to translate at least some of that form to Old Trafford if Australia are to stand a chance.

Ashton Agar

The star of Australia's narrow first Test defeat, Ashton Agar has seen his stock rise dramatically during the course of the Ashes series.

He scored 98 at Trent Bridge on his Test debut, despite his coach having to issue a statement defending the decision to include him over the more experienced Nathan Lyon.

The 19-year-old left-arm spinner had just 10 first-class matches to his name prior to the first Test but already looks to be starting a long and successful international career.

Impressive with the bat on his first Ashes appearance, Agar will be hoping for more of an impact with the ball this week. Talk has grown that he may even be left out for Lyon once more.