England Announce Squad for Final Ashes Test Against Australia
England's head coach Shaun Wane has named a 19-man squad for the third and final Ashes Test against Australia at Headingley this Saturday. The team features two changes from the lineup that was defeated 14-4 in the second Test.
Current Series Context
Following losses of 26-6 and 14-4 in the first two Tests at Wembley and Hill Dickinson Stadium, England trails Australia 2-0 in the series and cannot win the Ashes outright this year. The final match will be played on home soil, where England aims to avoid a 3-0 series whitewash.
Team Changes and Player Inclusions
- Joe Burgess, winger for Hull KR, has been brought into the squad, replacing Dom Young.
- Harry Newman, centre for Leeds Rhinos, replaces Jake Wardle.
If both Burgess and Newman take the field, every player in England’s 24-man autumn squad will have played in at least one of the three Tests.
Australia's Approach
Contrary to suggestions from their head coach Kevin Walters that they might rest key players, Australia has chosen to field a full-strength team aiming to secure a series whitewash.
"England are lagging 2-0 in the series and can no longer secure victory. As they gear up for the match in Leeds this weekend, the home side will be playing solely for pride, aiming to dodge a 3-0 whitewash on their own ground."
Author's summary: England introduces Joe Burgess and Harry Newman for the final Ashes Test, hoping to avoid a 3-0 whitewash against a full-strength Australia side.