Simply retaining the Ashes just isn’t sufficient, with a ruthless Australia making it clear they may push for a drought-breaking collection win in England with victory at Headingley.
Pat Cummins’ males have the possibility to retain the Ashes for a fourth straight collection when the third Test will get underneath manner in Leeds on Thursday, with a draw sufficient to carry on to the prize.
Winners of the urn on residence soil in 2017-18, Australia drew the 2019 collection in England 2-2, permitting them to depart the nation as holders of the Ashes for the primary time since 2001.
But whereas retaining the trophy was their primary motivation on that final journey, issues are completely different this time round.
Players have repeatedly spoken of the frustration of shedding the final Test at The Oval in 2019 and permitting England to stage the collection.
That defeat has shaped a part of their motivation for this 12 months, with all speak centring round successful an Ashes collection in England for the primary time in 22 years.
“It’d be fair to say (it’s a different mentality this time),” Cummins stated.
“It’s kind of weird. Everyone felt a bit differently about it (in 2019).
“In Manchester once we gained that (fourth) Test match to retain (the Ashes) there was a giant celebration.
“Whereas some people, me included, kind of thought, ‘Do you celebrate when you retain it?’. I genuinely didn’t know.”
It’s a part of the explanation Australia won’t play for a draw at Headingley.
“It’s always about winning a series outright, so that’s the goal,” Cummins stated.
“We want to win one of these last three Test matches.
“A draw can be good in that it could retain the Ashes if that was the case, however we’ll be going after a win.”
Todd Murphy will replace the injured Nathan Lyon in Australia’s XI for Headingley, while selectors are still weighing up the makeup of the pace attack.
Officials will also determine closer to the toss how Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood have recovered after bowling on day five at Lord’s, with Scott Boland fresh in reserve.
Cummins said it was more likely to be Hazlewood, who has played two successive Tests after a long run of injuries, dropping out if there was a change.
“He’d be the plain one you would be a bit extra cautious of,” Cummins stated.
“The tour to date for him has gone in addition to he may have hoped – no accidents. But he’s in uncharted territory after the final 12 months or two.
“There will be some conversation around that. He bowled 25 and 35 overs (in the first two Tests), which isn’t extreme numbers.
“But once more you weigh up this sport versus the final two of the collection, how he is monitoring. We’ll work by that.”
Source: www.perthnow.com.au
