England won a close encounter on the 4th day of the 3rd Test of the Ashes. Nowadays Test matches are happening so close that its glory couldn’t easily fade away. England won the 3rd Test by 3 wickets and they still remain in the contest for the Ashes.
England must be very pleased by their victory. A great partnership between Harry Brook and Chris Woakes which became crucial for their win.
Just 15 runs added to their day 3 score and Australia got their first breakthrough. Starc dismissed Duckett at the score of 23 runs. Moeen Ali was promoted up the order but this didn’t work and Starc took away the leg stump. He goes after scoring 5 runs. Zak Crawley was looking good but Marsh did the damage. Crawley made 44 runs. Then Root also played some beautiful shots but this didn’t work against Cummins and he took him third time in a row. He contributed only 21 runs.
After that the wicket which Australia wanted desperately, Ben Stokes. Starc gets the credit and as he takes his wicket, Stokes just only shakes his head as he goes back. He scored 13 runs. Bairstow couldn’t stand much longer and Starc just shook the wickets and got his wicket. He made only 5 runs.
Then comes the match changing partnership between Brook and Woakes. Their partnership changes the atmosphere of the match. Before their partnership it looked that Aussies would win the match and the trophy, but their hard fighting spirit against the great bowling lineup changed the air in favor of the English team. 59 runs these two put together on the board. Then Starc came and gave a big blow to the English team and took the wicket of Harry Brook. He made an important 75 runs.
After that wicket, Wood and Woakes started showing their destruction and in just 14 balls these two made 24 runs and finished the match in style.
Starc gets a fifer and he almost made his team win but eventually the 7th wicket stand makes it far away. Marsh and Cummins both took 1 wicket each.
Now Engaldn has won 1 and Australia with two. Series is now 2-1 and two more matches are left. Let’s see how much more interesting things will come.
Mark Wood was awarded player of the match, he said,
Delighted to be here to stand as the Man of the Match. The lads will tell you there are sweaty palms. Was tough against some of the best bowlers in the world. It’s the first time I have got England over the line with the bat so I’m delighted. If I bat any higher, I will get a nosebleed. So definitely not higher than 9. I felt in a good rhythm. Tried to run in as hard as I could.
….Stokesy told me to bowl as fast as I could. Things still to work on going into the next game. I was pleased with my 24 off 8. It Will be tough going into the next game. The support everywhere we go is amazing, but it’s always better in the north. Isn’t it? Will see how I pull up but will do everything I can to be ready.
Pat Cummins, Australia Captain, said,
There were moments that went back and forth on each day. We lost 6 wickets for 20 odd on day 1. Each session has swung in one team’s favour. We could have kept going. 250 was competitive to bowl at. But it wasn’t enough in the end. I thought Warner was fantastic at Lords. A good problem with Mitch. He has had ankle surgery trying to play red ball cricket. Doesn’t hurt to have a few days off and recharge our batteries. We will come back all excited for Manchestar.
Ben Stokes, England Captain, said,
Another down to the wire game. Nice to get over the line and keep our hopes alive. Won the toss, we could have batted and bowled. Looked a good wicket. Saw the way Mitch Marsh batted. Came in and took the game on. The outfield was on the quick side. We had Woody and Woakesy back in and they did well. We picked teams and looked at how they could impact us in the game. We try to see how they can be influential in the game.
About Woakes, he said, “I didn’t realise that Woakes hasn’t played a Test for so long, he is Mr Consistent. Having someone who can bat like him batting at 8, helps us. Hope he can do something similar when he plays next.”
About Mark Wood he said, “having someone who can bowl at 95 mph is amazing. With the bat he is just a free spirit. Goes back to the clarity. 24 off 8 balls was a massive swing in the game. Doesn’t always come off, but gives you a better chance to succeed.”
About Moeen Ali,he said, “I think about Mo, he always wants to impact the game. He went to Brendon last night and said he wanted to take them on and have a crack at No. 3.”
Me and Baz just go with the flow. Great for both the teams. The next game is very vital. Everyone wants to see good cricket. This nine-day break will help the bodies do a world of good. We love to come here and play cricket for England.
Headingley Crowd he added, “Absolutely sensational. The western Terrace is always amazing. This place has memories that people will always remember and we love playing here.