England are set to make a number of changes to their side as they aim to find a foothold in the Ashes.
Brendon McCullum's team find themselves 2-0 down after the first two Tests and head into a must-win clash at Headingley should they wish to reclaim the Ashes. Ahead of the showdown with Australia on Thursday, they have been hit with a brutal injury blow.
Vice-captain Ollie Pope has been ruled out for the remainder of the series with a dislocated shoulder. In an effort to give the side fresh impetus, England have decided to ring the changes.
According to The Telegraph, Harry Brook has been promoted to No.3, meaning that Joe Root remains in the number four position. That will also see Ben Stokes and Jonny Bairstow move up a place in the order.
That decision is set to be a gamble with Yorkshire’s Brook having not batted at three since 2018 and only averaging 22.2 runs in the position. There are also a number of other alterations.
Moeen Ali is set to return after missing the controversial second Test with a finger injury and will bat at seven. Chris Woakes and Mark Wood are both set to return, with James Anderson and Josh Tongue to be rested.
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Wood has not played Test cricket this year and missed the previous clash against Australia due to a mild elbow problem. He is still set to undergo a fitness test but it is suggested that the England staff are confident that he will pass and be ready for Headingley.
Speaking ahead of the third Test, Joe Root has already revealed how England will approach the showdown, particularly after their controversial defeat last time out. “We’ve got nothing to lose,” he said.
“We'll throw everything at it. And I think it's time for us to start writing our script. You’ve got to let the emotions get you into a place where you’re still very much in control of what you are doing and thinking.
“I think the perfect example was Ben [Stokes], the way he played on the back of it. He plays that situation better than anyone I have ever seen.
“A younger Ben Stokes might have let his emotions override what he needed to do, but you look at how he gets himself into that zone. I think it's a brilliant example for the rest of the guys to follow. Use all that fuel, but do it in a very controlled manner.
“Everyone will deal with it slightly differently, but it's still about being very much in control of everything. And not letting it get too carried away.”
