Aussie greats weigh in on selection debate

Australian greats including Shane Warne and Glenn McGrath have weighed in on possible selection changes for the fourth Test against England, a match in which the tourists must avoid defeat or surrender the Ashes.

Australia lost the third Test by eight wickets midway through the third day at Edgbaston and must regroup quickly with the fourth Test starting at Nottinghamshire's Trent Bridge on Thursday (8pm AEST).

After being bowled out for 136 in the first innings as James Anderson took 6-47 and being reduced to 6-111 in the second innings before eventually being all for 265 as Steven Finn claimed 6-79, the tourists must find answers quickly.

Root and Bell ring in crushing Edgbaston victory (restrictions apply)

"Everyone out of form is going to come under pressure," Warne told cricket.com.au. "Everyone's spot will be under the microscope.

"When you've lost and you're down 2-1 in the series with a couple to play there will probably be a few changes."

Anderson was unable to bowl in the second innings after picking up a side strain and has now been ruled out of the Trent Bridge Test, with McGrath suggesting he was also unlikely to be fit for the fifth Test at The Oval on August 20.

Quick Single: James Anderson out of Ashes

"It depends on how bad it is, they can take a little while to heal," said McGrath, who called them 'grunter' injuries.

"It's when you pull down with the front arm, that's where you get your power, your grunt from," McGrath said.

"I've done a few. Once you do one of those you have to make sure it's right before you come back because they're very easy to do again."

Damien Fleming said a similar injury during his playing days had kept him sidelined for six weeks.

Image Id: ~/media/C2064E1E5F69427C8A7622824CE1A25D

Anderson has a 'grunter' injury // Getty Images

The fast bowling pair suggested Peter Siddle and Pat Cummins could be considered for selection after a below par display from Australia's quicks with Starc particularly wayward at times, although he did remove Alastair Cook with a sensational ball to open the second innings.

"(Siddle) doesn't always have the tricks of swing and extra pace of the other three guys but he does bring a steadiness to the attack," said Fleming.

McGrath agreed he added "a certain control" and "would put plenty of balls in the right areas", but worried Pat Cummins might not be ready for Test cricket after playing just one four-day game in the past two years.

Former wicketkeeper Ian Healy said he expected a middle-order change to strengthen the batting.

"This XI was given the job of winning the Ashes," said Healy. "Now do it, or if you don’t you might never be seen again.

I sense there may be a real push for Shaun Marsh to get him into the order somewhere and I guess Adam Voges is most under the gun."

Image Id: ~/media/7F91243B0AE148249F230F029F9A2343

Under pressure: Adam Voges // Getty Images

McGrath agreed Shaun Marsh for Voges would be closely looked at, adding the form of Michael Clarke was "a big concern".

"Unfortunately (Voges) hasn't done well in the Test series so far (and) I think there will be at least one change," said McGrath.

"But they won't change the captain mid-way through the series.

"Michael Clarke will stay there and hopefully he can find some form and score runs in the next few games.

Quick Single: Clarke admits concerns over form

"It's been a funny series where one team has just absolutely dominated. I thought England might have found it hard to bounce back after Lord's.

"But the wicket they've prepared here I think really suited them. That's what they're going to prepare for the rest of the series."

Mark Waugh said he had been caught by surprise at the resurgence of England, and suggested the influence of former NSW Blues coach Trevor Bayliss could have played a big role, while Shane Warne was another left shocked by the home side's fightback.

"It's pretty disappointing, especially after they (Australia) played so well at Lord's," Warne told cricket.com.au

"Got to bowl better, bat better, people have got to put their hands up and start making runs.

"England were too good and they outplayed Australia in all departments.

"Hopefully, the way this series is going they should win at Trent Bridge and we'll be two-all going into The Oval."

Click above to learn more about how to stream the Ashes and more cricket