Resurgent England all-rounder Chris Woakes has declared the stress is again on Australia after defeat at Headingley, and ending a two-decade drought of collection wins within the UK might be “hard to get over the line” for the vacationers regardless of holding a 2-1 Ashes lead.
Australian skipper Pat Cummins flatly rejected any notion the house aspect had gained the momentum within the collection after their victory at Leeds, which got here after the Aussies received the opening two video games.
A win within the fourth Test at Old Trafford, the place Australia retained the Ashes in 2019, would make sure the urn stays with Cummins’ aspect and a primary collection win in England since 2001.
That such an achievement is so shut may make it more durable for the Australians based on Woakes, who returned to the England aspect with success at Headingley and hit the profitable runs for his group.
He stated the buoyant temper within the dwelling group’s camp, plus the duty dealing with Australia to finish a two-decade drought, with questions over the make-up of their aspect as properly, may make issues more durable for the guests going to Manchester.
“In our dressing room the belief is we can win 3-2, I think it‘s always been there,” Woakes stated.
“You don‘t want to look too far ahead, you have to play what’s in front of you, each ball, each day, each session, each Test match as it comes.
“I‘d imagine when you’re so close to getting something, the harder it gets, and I’m sure the Aussies will be feeling that now.
“Once you get so close to something, it‘s actually hard to get that over the line, isn’t it? We’ve got to turn up in Manchester and put in another performance.
“They’re an extremely good side and we’re going to have to be at our best to beat them again.”
Changes are looming to the Australian group for the fourth Test, with quick bowler Josh Hazlewood more likely to change Scott Boland, whereas selectors face a activity deciding whether or not Headingley century-maker Mitch Marsh will make approach for fellow all-rounder Cameron Green.
The destiny of opener David Warner, who was twice out to his English nemesis Stuart Broad for single-figure scores in Leeds, additionally stays unclear.
In 30 innings opening with Usman Khawaja because the begin of 2022, Warner has been the primary man dismissed on 22 events.
But Australian coach Andrew McDonald pointed to the veteran’s contribution to a few 50-run opening partnerships in six innings as far as a degree in his favour.
“You’ve also got to reflect on what the opening partnership’s been able to do across the six innings, and there’s been three 50-plus partnerships in there,” McDonald stated.
“Albeit it didn’t function to its level (in Headingley), in some ways it’s done well so far in this series.
“We’ve got a lot to consider and a lot to weigh up.”
Originally printed as England all-rounder Chris Woakes says Australia may battle to return again from Leeds loss
Source: www.dailytelegraph.com.au
