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ASHES 2019Cricket
LONDON, ENGLAND - AUGUST 17: Australia coach Justin Langer tosses up a tennis ball on the players balcony as Steve Smith (c) looks on during day four of the 2nd Test Match between England and Australia at Lord's Cricket Ground on August 17, 2019 in London, England. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)

Aussies confident over Smith

There’s an unscientific confidence in the Australian camp that Steve Smith will play this Thursday in the third Test at Leeds.

AshesNews
Australia's Marnus Labuschagne plays shot during play on the fifth day of the second Ashes cricket Test match between England and Australia at Lord's Cricket Ground in London on August 18, 2019. (Photo by Adrian DENNIS / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. NO ASSOCIATION WITH DIRECT COMPETITOR OF SPONSOR, PARTNER, OR SUPPLIER OF THE ECB

Marnus saves the day

How to substitute for Steve Smith. Those aren’t shoes to fill; they’re canoes.

ASHES 2019Cricket
LONDON, ENGLAND - AUGUST 17: Steve Smith of Australia is struck by a delivery from Jofra Archer of England during day four of the 2nd Specsavers Ashes Test between England and Australia at Lord's Cricket Ground on August 17, 2019 in London, England. (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)

Smith in doubt for Leeds

Steve Smith has delayed concussion and looks likely to miss the third Test in Leeds starting on Thursday.

Cricket
LONDON, ENGLAND - AUGUST 15: England batsman Rory Burns looks on as Cameron Bancroft dives to catch him out during day two of the 2nd Test Match between England and Australia at Lord's Cricket Ground on August 15, 2019 in London, England. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)

From schemer to screamer

Steve Waugh says Cameron Bancroft is the best close-in fielder he has seen but history suggests there was one better.

Ashes 2019Cricket
Australia's Josh Hazlewood (R) celebrates taking the wicket of England's captain Joe Root (L) for 14 runs on the second day of the second Ashes cricket Test match between England and Australia at Lord's Cricket Ground in London on August 15, 2019. (Photo by Glyn KIRK / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. NO ASSOCIATION WITH DIRECT COMPETITOR OF SPONSOR, PARTNER, OR SUPPLIER OF THE ECB

Starc reality hits home

Mitchell Starc is a luxury Australia cannot afford as they seek to strangle England’s batsmen.

Original URL: https://www.theaustralian.com.au/topics/ashes/page/6