THE BURNING QUESTIONS

WILL WE GET THE SAME STEVE SMITH AT MANCHESTER?

THE Australian superstar is a lock to play the fourth Test, and just as well. He faced bowlers in the nets at Headingley on Sunday for the first time since his concussion diagnosis, and was running at full tilt too. But the short-ball assault from England speed demon Jofra Archer during the second Test won’t let up when they get to Manchester. There’s no doubt Smith, who took blows to the arm and then neck at Lord’s, will be peppered with chin music. IS PAT CUMMINS COOKED?

AUSTRALIA’S iron man was the one guy pencilled in to play five all Tests despite a “squad mentality” with the six fast bowlers and a horses for courses selection policy. But after three Tests the number one fast bowler in the world looked low on juice. He was adamant post-match he felt good, but after playing every game in the World Cup too, and a big piece of the preparation for that event, Cummins could need to watch on at Manchester, for his and his team’s sake. HAS ENGLAND TAMED NATHAN LYON?

THE Australian spinner now has 357 Test wickets. His best stuff at Headingley was terrific too, but it must be said it only came in one spell. Lyon also got slapped around by Ben Stokes, who smashed him for four sixes. Lyon finished with 2-107, which came after he took 0-102 at Lord’s. he bowled Australia to victory at Edgbaston, but hasn’t been his same effective self since. Manchester is hardly spin friendly, but he is the GOAT. THE elephant in the room since the Ashes began has been the lack of batting output from the Australian captain. But you have to acknowledge that skipper has been excellent at the two things he’s actually in the team to do: captain and keep wickets, before the final day at Headingley. On day one he was excellent, keeping Josh Hazlewood on for 11 first session overs, bringing in a short cover to get rid of Jos Buttler, and pulling moves to roll England for 67. When he can do that, any runs Paine gets have to be considered a bonus.