The major talking points ahead of Third test at Edgbaston

The third test of the Ashes series gets underway at Edgbaston today Credit: PA

England and Australia head into the third Test at Edgbaston todaywith the Ashes series firmly poised at 1-1.

So what are the bigger talking points ahead of the potentially pivotal clash and what should we look out for?

Can England bounce back?

Following a first Test victory at Cardiff, England were brought back down toearth with a bump after a 405-run thrashing at Lord's.

England players celebrate victory in the First Investec Ashes Test at the SWALEC Stadium, Cardiff Credit: PA

England were bowled out for 103 in the fourth innings, raising questions of their stomach for the fight.

Coach Trevor Bayliss and captain Alastair Cook must impress upon the side that another collapse is unthinkable if they are to regain the momentum in Birmingham.

Will Warwickshire's Ian Bell sink or swim at three?

If the 32-year-old does not thrive in the remaining Tests then it is difficult to see how he can prolong a successful international career.

A four-time Ashes winner and star of the last home series two years ago, Bell is going through an unenviable trough, averaging 20.84 in seven Tests this year.

England's Ian Bell walks off dejected after being cleaned bowled for one run by Australia's Josh Hazlewood during day two of the Second Investec Ashes Test at Lord's Credit: PA

A move up to number three to replace Gary Ballance could prove the catalyst to Bell's rejuvenation although some pundits have suggested his decline may be terminal due to slowing reactions.

How will Chris Rogers fair?

The sight of the veteran becoming disorientated at Lord's would have brought back haunting reminders of Phillip Hughes' on-field collapse last year although his troubles were later attributed to a "delayed ear problem" caused by being hit on the helmet by James Anderson's bouncer two days previous.

Australia's Chris Rogers is attended to before leaving the field on 49 as he retired hurt, during day four of the Second Investec Ashes Test at Lord's Credit: PA

Yesterday he was said to be "good to go", so all eyes will on Rogers, who missed last month's two Tests in the West Indies due to concussion caused by being struck by a lifter in the nets in the Caribbean.

Can Jonny Bairstow translate County form?

The Yorkshireman has had several bites of the cherry at international cricketbut hasn't managed to make a lasting impression.

Something seems to have clicked with Bairstow now though, and his form in the LV= County Championship, where his average is well in excess of 100 in seven matches this season, has made him difficult to ignore, even discounting England's top order struggles.

Jonny Bairstow is in England's squad for the third Ashes Test against Australia at Edgbaston with Gary Ballance dropping out Credit: PA

The England selectors appear to have faith in the 25-year-old by puttinghim at five in the order and there is growing optimism that he can take hischance this time.

Brad Haddin or Peter Nevill?

Haddin's much-publicised horror show in Cardiff led many to suggest he would be replaced by back-up wicketkeeper Nevill at Lord's, but the 37-year-old took the decision out of the selectors' hands by sitting out at HQ for personal reasons.

Australia's wicketkeeper Brad Haddin shows his dejection during the First Investec Ashes Test in Cardiff Credit: PA

Haddin was back on duty in the tour match at Derbyshire last week, remainsAustralia's so-called spiritual leader and has made telling contributionsagainst England in the past, not least the last time these sides met Down Under.

The state of the pitch

The wicket at Lord's was almost universally panned as a batsman's paradise even though England disintegrated to a staggeringly poor total on the fourth and final day, while many commentators lamented the pitch at Cardiff.

Australia's Mitchell Johnson attends to the playing surface during the third Ashes test at Edgbaston in 2009 Credit: PA

Therefore there will be a lot of scrutiny on the surfaces at the three remaining venues, starting at Edgbaston, where - brace yourself Australians - references to England's two-run win 10 years earlier in the great Ashes 2005 series will be plentiful.

Hopefully the groundstaff in Birmingham can produce a pitch worthy of another terrific encounter.