Ashes 2023: Mitchell Marsh replaces injured Cameron Green as Australia make three changes to playing XI for Headingley Test

Pat Cummins-led Australia currently have a stranglehold on the Ashes 2023 series. Having won the first two Tests at Edgaston and Lord’s, the Aussies would be keen on sealing the series as they take on England at Headingley from Thursday, July 6. 

During the toss of the third Test, the Aussies announced their playing XI for the match, and there were some significant changes to the lineup. Star all-rounder Mitchell Marsh will don the baggy green for the first time in four years as he comes into the playing XI as a replacement for Cameron Green, who sustained a hamstring injury and had to be rested. Currently, it is unknown how Green injured his hamstring; however, a report stated that he is expected to be fit in time for the fourth Test at Old Trafford.

Furthermore, 22-year-old Todd Murphy makes his Ashes debut as well. Murphy’s inclusion in the lineup was much anticipated, as veteran spinner Nathan Lyon recently injured himself and had to be rested due to that. Murphy recently made his debut for Australia in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2023, and he impressed with his spells as well.

Yet another change in the Australian lineup is the inclusion of Scott Boland, who comes in in the place of Josh Hazlewood, who has not featured due to Australia’s pace-rotation plan.

Australia will be going into the third Test brimming with confidence, as the side has dominated England across the two Tests that have been played so far. The first Test was won by the visitors by two wickets thanks to a thrilling knock by Pat Cummins. Furthermore, an all-round performance with both the bat and the ball at Lord’s saw them go 0-2 up in the series.

Led by Ben Stokes, England would be getting desperate in their search of answers as they look to claw their way back into the series.

Australia XI: David Warner, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Travis Head, Mitch Marsh, Alex Carey (wk), Mitch Starc, Pat Cummins (c), Scott Boland, Todd Murphy