The Aussies axe two players whilst the Three Lions make one change.
As England and Australia prepare to go head-to-head once again in the second Ashes Test of the series at Lords, both sides choose to make changes.
The Aussies were expected to switch things around following defeat in the first five-day match at Trent Bridge on Sunday, with the visitors’ top order failing to impress.
As was likely Ed Cowan has been dropped from the No.3 spot to be replaced by Usman Khawaja, whilst the tourists’ other change comes in the bowling attack – with Mitchell Starc dropping out for the more experienced Ryan Harris.
Harris has struggled to cement a regular place in the starting XI for the Australians in recent years but conditions at Lords should favour the paceman.
Khawaja meanwhile was one of four players in India earlier in 2013 who were suspended for the third Test for failing to complete their homework – but there is still a lot of confidence in the batsman’s ability.
Despite a 14-run victory in Nottingham, England captain Alastair Cook has decided to swap pace bowler Steven Finn for the more economic Tim Bresnan.
Finn was criticised in the first encounter for leaking too many runs and Bresnan also brings a more competent batting game to the side.
Apart from that Cook has stuck with the winning formula, although some of the batsmen – most notably Jonny Bairstow – will need to give a good showing of themselves at the home of cricket to keep their place.
COMMENTS