Holders England may be on the brink of retaining the Ashes after a crushing 347-run win in the second Test at Lord's left them 2-0 up in the series with three to play but that match saw Kevin Pietersen suffer a calf injury that has left him doubtful for the Manchester clash.
England chiefs made it clear who they have in mind to replace Pietersen if the South Africa-born shotmaker is unfit by requesting Nottinghamshire's James Taylor 'guest' for Sussex this week against the tourists.
However, the diminutive batsman has been in good first-class form this season, scoring 824 runs in 15 County Championship appearances, including an unbeaten double century against Sussex in June.
With Australia batting first Friday in the three-day game at Hove, Taylor will hope he gets a chance to prove himself against international opposition on Saturday.
But the dangers of putting too much emphasis on one match as a selection guide were obvious Friday when Australia reserve wicketkeeper Matthew Wade, trying to force his way into the Test side as a batsman only, was out for a duck.
