As was the case in the first two Tests of the Ashes 2023, the third Test, too, went down the wire. But this time, it were England who emerged victorious by a thin margin of 3 wickets on Day 4 at Headingley.
England have kept the Ashes series alive with a thrilling victory in Leeds, the series now stands 2-1 with two Tests to go.
In the chase of 251, the match hung in balance – some might say even slightly in favor of Australia – when the Aussie bowlers had reduced England to 171/6, including the wicket of England skipper Ben Stokes, who had performed a miracle here in Headingley four years ago.
However, Harry Brook, who has copped some criticism in this series, continued batting in his style and formed a crucial partnership of 59 (73) with Chris Woakes, who then formed another important, match-winning stand of 24* (14) with Mark Wood and the pair took the hosts over the line.
Harsha Bhogle points out why Australia lost in Headingley:
Renowned commentator Harsha Bhogle pointed out at the ineffectiveness of Scott Boland in this match as the biggest reason for Australia to go down in Headingley. Boland returned with figures of 0/35 (10 overs) and 0/49 (11 overs) in the match.
Harsha Bhgle asserted that while Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc, and even Mitchell Marsh, pressed the pressure on the English batters with regular wickets, it was Scott Boland, their hero of the WTC Final, who leaked runs and failed to deliver breakthroughs.
“The good news for Australia has been the batting of Mitch Marsh and the excellent form of Starc and Cummins. But the support bowling looked insipid. A lot of us thought Boland could be a game-changer but Australia are getting nothing from him,” Harsha Bhogle tweeted.
The good news for Australia has been the batting of Mitch Marsh and the excellent form of Starc and Cummins. But the support bowling looked insipid. A lot of us thought Boland could be a game-changer but Australia are getting nothing from him.
— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) July 9, 2023
Mark Wood was named the Player of the Match. He took 7 wickets in the match and scored 24 (8) and 16*(8).
When is the 4th Ashes Test?
The 4th Test of the Ashes 2023 will be played from July 19 at Old Trafford, Manchester.
