The Ashes: Matthew Wade eyes spot as Aussies set to make changes for Old Trafford Test

Australia's twin Ashes Test defeat has given a glimmer of hope to Matthew Wade. The reserve wicket-keeper now wants a spot in the playing XI at Old Trafford as a specialist batsman. The third Test starts August 1. (Also read: Warner likely to rejoin Australia squad before third Test)

Down 2-0, the Australian team is expected to ring-in a few changes and Wade is hopeful of being considered.

"I'd love to have an opportunity to have a crack at them (England). We played South Africa in Australia and didn't find many problems scoring 400-500 in an innings," he said. Wade, of course, acknowledges the fact that England have bowled brilliantly in the first two Ashes Tests. "England's bowling has been terrific, real world-class. It's the best I've seen in the 18 months I've been around Test cricket." (Related: Jonathan Trott warns Australia, says it's his time to fire!)

The 26-year-old himself has not been in the best of form, a rather pale series against India sidelining him from contention in the first XI. In his last Test for the national team, Wade scored 0 and 19 against India at Delhi's Feroz Shah Kotla. His average in the Border-Gavaskar series was an unimpressive 18.13 from six innings - far below his overall Test average of 34.61. (Ian Bell enjoys putting Australia to sword)

The left-hander though is confident of making the most of English conditions and will play tour match versus Sussex at Hove from Friday.

"Any batsman who goes out and dominates and gets 150 or 200 will have a chance to play in the Test. I'm just excited to have a game of cricket because I've been on the sidelines for a few weeks," he was quoted as saying in the English media.