and volatile, David Warner who smashed 193 for South Africa A in Pretoria last week is expected to replace Chris Rogers at the top of the order. He might be the spark the visitors have been looking for over the past three weeks. Phillip Hughes, Brad Haddin and Steven Smith, who all hit fifties in the dramatic series opener at Lord's need to repeat their feats. Smith notched up a fine ton against Sussex but is suffering from a stiff back and is in doubt for the 3rd Test. Ed Cowan and Phillip Hughes also got some runs in the tour match and Australia would be hoping that they can replicate their performances in Manchester.

The bowlers have put in a spirited effort and tested the fancied England battingline-up. Peter Siddle is the leading wicket-taker for the visitors with 11 scalps to his name including an inspirational fifer in the 1st innings at Nottingham. Ryan Harris was picked for Lord's and immediately justified his selection with a five-wicket haul. However, James Pattinson's exit due to a back stress fracture is a major blow for the visitors. Mitchell Starc has been recalled after rather surprisingly being dropped after the 1st Test where he had chipped in with 5 wickets.

It would be interesting to see what team composition the Australian think-tank opts for with the pitch bearing a dry and hard look with patches of dead grass. The veteran Nathan Lyon might replace the inexperienced Ashton Agar who is also nursing an injury. Michael Clake has stated that