Ashes 2015: 4 Players with Most to Prove Heading into 3rd Test

The third Ashes Test beckons for both England and Australia, with the series locked at 1-1 after the away side’s crushing win at Lord’s last time out.

After such a victory, there are plenty of individuals with plenty to prove, although more so on England’s side as they have plenty of questions to answer.

Having said that, there are perhaps some other questions remaining for the Australians that require answers one way or another in this game.

With that in mind, let’s take a look at four players with the most to prove heading into the Test in Birmingham starting on July 29.

1. Adam Lyth

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England opener Adam Lyth is under enormous pressure already in his young Test career, and this game could be make-or-break.

In the two Ashes Tests thus far, Lyth has reached double figures just once and has in fact only reached double figures in all Tests four times since debuting earlier this year.

He will be desperate to improve things in the third Test. Otherwise, he may well find himself jettisoned from the side sooner or later.

2. Ian Bell

Kirsty Wigglesworth/Associated Press

At No. 4, senior England batsman Ian Bell has endured a miserable run of form in which he has passed 50 just twice in 2015.

Last time out, he was twice dismissed cheaply. With the likes of James Taylor breathing down his neck and in form in county cricket, Bell needs to prove he still belongs in Tests.

3. Jonny Bairstow

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When England announced the squad for the third Test, they chose to leave out Gary Ballance and hand a recall to Jonny Bairstow, who will play as a specialist batsman and bat at No. 5.

It means Bairstow will play his first Test since the ill-fated Ashes tour of 2013-14, and the onus will be on him to translate his magnificent recent form back into international cricket.

4. Michael Clarke

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It seems somewhat strange to say that Australian captain Michael Clarke, who led his side to victory last time out, has plenty to prove, but with the bat he does.

Clarke has been on a lean run of recent form that has seen him fail to reach 100 since December 2014, with ESPNcricinfo's Daniel Brettig questioning his fitness and place in the side.

He looked decent at Lord’s, as he made 32 not out in the second innings and will want to translate that start into a big knock as he looks to reaffirm his spot in the team.