While there was a fear of the Ashes getting done and dusted had Australia won the third Test and taken a 3-0 lead, Mark Wood emerged as the point of difference that England had been missing in the first two Tests and delivered a match-winning performance with both ball and bat at Headingley to keep England and the Ashes 2023 series alive.
Mark Wood was named the Player of the Match in Leeds. Brought in this game for James Anderson after being on the bench for the first two Test, the fiery fast bowler, Mark Wood, took 7 wickets in the match and also made significant contributions with the bat, scoring 24 (8) and 16*(8).
His wickets ensured Australia’s tail didn’t wag, and it was his blistering batting show in both innings that also stunned the Aussies.
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.
Watch: Mark Wood gets special hugs from Stokes, Bairstow
On returning to the dressing room after securing the win, Mark Wood and Chris Woakes got special welcome from the players and staff. Skipper Ben Stokes did enjoy his hug with Wood, followed by embraces from Broad and Bairstow.
Watch:
Just look what it means 🥰#EnglandCricket | #Ashes pic.twitter.com/S17sOQbGzZ
— England Cricket (@englandcricket) July 9, 2023
Stokes felt fortunate to have someone who can bowl at 95 mph in his team. Heaping praise on Wood, Stokes said in the post-match presentation: “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.”
