England win toss and bowl as rain delays start of third Ashes test

Cricket - Ashes 2019 - Third Test - England v Australia - Headingley, Leeds, Britain - August 22, 2019 England's Jofra Archer celebrates taking the wicket of Australia's Marcus Harris Action Images via Reuters/Andrew Boyers

LEEDS, England (Reuters) - England won the toss and put Australia in to bat as rain delayed the start of the third Ashes test at Headingley on Thursday.

Captain Joe Root chose to bowl just as the rain started to come down in West Yorkshire, announcing an England lineup that was unchanged from the side that drew the second test at Lord's. Jason Roy has been passed fit following tests for concussion.

Cricket - Ashes 2019 - Third Test - England v Australia - Headingley, Leeds, Britain - August 22, 2019 Australia's Usman Khawaja reacts as he loses his wicket Action Images via Reuters/Andrew Boyers

Steve Smith misses out for Australia, as Cricket Australia confirmed on Tuesday, and is replaced by his "concussion substitute" from the second test Marnus Labuschagne.

When the covers do come off, there will be a new opening Australia batting partnership, with Marcus Harris coming in for Cameron Bancroft at the top of the order.

Cricket - Ashes 2019 - Third Test - England v Australia - Headingley, Leeds, Britain - August 22, 2019 England's Jofra Archer and Joe Root Action Images via Reuters/Lee Smith

(Reporting by Peter Hall; Editing by Hugh Lawson)

Cricket - Ashes 2019 - Third Test - England v Australia - Headingley, Leeds, Britain - August 22, 2019 Fans holding umbrellas look on Action Images via Reuters/Andrew Boyers

Cricket - Ashes 2019 - Third Test - England v Australia - Headingley, Leeds, Britain - August 22, 2019 England's Joe Root before the match Action Images via Reuters/Andrew Boyers