Australia will be facing a major selection headache leading into the fourth Test, with the looming return of Cameron Green set to throw a spanner in the works.
The all-rounder missed the loss at Headingley due to a minor injury, but was fit enough to contribute as a substitute fielder on the final day before the visitors went down by three wickets against England.
With the series on the line and nine days until the next match at Old Trafford, Green will be back on deck but now faces stiff competition in the form of Mitchell Marsh, who blasted a century in the first innings in Leeds.
The conundrum could also have implications for opener David Warner, who was dismissed for singe-digit scores in both innings by Stuart Broad and continues to struggle in the UK, and could be replaced at the top of the order to accomodate for the returning Green.
MORE: England claim third Test victory at Headingley
Australian captain Pat Cummins keeping options open
Speaking to reporters following the third Test, Cummins admitted there were plenty of potential changes for the must-win clash in Manchester, beginning on July 19th, but finds it hard to fathom Marsh being left out.
“We’ll keep all our options open... we’ve got nine or 10 days now, so we’ll take a deep breath," he said.
“It’s possible, but it was a pretty impressive week [from Marsh], wasn’t it?
“We’ll go away for a few days but everyone comes back into it. Greeny should be fit for Manchester, we should have a full roster. We’ll have a look at the wicket, have a chat and work out the best XI."
Marsh's 118 in the first innings could have helped set up the Aussies for the win and 3-0 series lead, but the performances with the ball in the fourth day was England cruise home.
Will Mitchell Marsh play the fourth Ashes Test?
Asked if he was fearful of losing his spot to Green, the 31-year-old admitted it would be tough to fit both himself and Green into Australia's middle-order.
"I don’t think there is [room for both of us]… unfortunately there’s not, but it’s alright," Marsh told cricket.com.au after the match.
"I don’t want to comment on it too much, ultimately that stuff is out of my control – I’ve got a very close relationship with Greeny, he’s a fantastic young kid and he’s learning on the go and we know what a super talent he is.
"It’s important for him to be in our side, we’ve seen how important he is… we’ll have to wait and see.
“It’s high stress, it’s high emotion… that’s why we love Test cricket. Four years for me without playing, I felt right at home again this game out here. I was really calm and loved every minute of it.
"I just wanted to play my role and I’ve said it many times now, we’ve got a squad mentality. Cameron Green is an outstanding talent and thoroughly deserves his place in this team, but when I come in, I want to contribute."
Will David Warner play the fourth Ashes Test?
At this stage, Australia have not confirmed their plan for Old Trafford, with the visitors hoping to wrap up the series and expected to have a fully fit squad available.
Warner's struggles in England have been well-documented and his performances across the opening three games have done little to silence the doubters.
If the left-hander is to be dropped from the side, the returning Green or Travis Head loom as the likely replacements to partner Usman Khawaja, which would allow Marsh to remain at No.6 for the Aussies.
Australia fourth Ashes Test predicted XI
- Usman Khawaja
- Cameron Green
- Marnus Labuschagne
- Steve Smith
- Travis Head
- Mitchell Marsh
- Alex Carey
- Pat Cummins
- Mitchell Starc
- Todd Murphy
- Josh Hazlewood