Weather forecast at Headingley for third Ashes Test as rain interrupts game on Day 3

Ashes 2023 (Source: Twitter)

Day 3 of the third Ashes Test at Headingley promised to be a thrilling encounter right from the start, with Australia taking a narrow first-innings lead. However, the rain played a spoilsport and completely washed out the first session. The visitors are currently leading by 142 runs with six wickets remaining.

Pat Cummins and Co. lead the five-match series by 2-0 after winning the first two Tests at Edgbaston and Lord's, respectively. If Australia wins or draws in Leeds, they will retain the Ashes. Hence, England will not want the weather to interfere too much and force the game to conclude without a result.

Headingley weather forecast from July 8-10

Saturday, July 8: A high chance of rain is forecast for the whole day, with 80% expected around lunch. The temperature is expected to range from 21 degrees Celsius in the morning to 24 degrees Celsius during the last few hours of play.

Sunday, July 9: A relief for England and cricket fans as there is no chance of rain currently predicted during the day's play. The temperature will range between 19 and 21 degrees Celsius.

Monday, July 10: Given the current pace of the match, chances of the game going into Day 5 are slim. England would not want to push the game to Monday because it will be difficult to get the required overs in with rains expected throughout the day.

The chance of rain starts at 44 per cent at the start of the game and reaches 70 per cent in the last three hours of the game. The temperature is expected to range between 18 and 19 degrees Celsius.

Since the covers are on, the umpires have decided to take an early lunch on Day 3. Australia is at 116-4, with Travis Head (18* off 52) and Mitchell Marsh (17 off 43) at the crease.

Australia, England Playing XI for 3rd Test

Australia XI: David Warner, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Steven Smith, Travis Head, Mitchell Marsh, Alex Carey(w), Pat Cummins(c), Mitchell Starc, Todd Murphy, Scott Boland.

England XI: Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Harry Brook, Joe Root, Jonny Bairstow(w), Ben Stokes(c), Moeen Ali, Chris Woakes, Mark Wood, Ollie Robinson, Stuart Broad.