Ashes 3rd Test: Day 1, Talking Points – MarK Wood runs through Australia
England concluded with a total of 68 runs on Day 1, trailing by 195 runs in response to Australia’s 263 in the first innings. The Three Lions made three changes in their setup as Chris Woakes, Mark Wood, and Moeen Ali made their way into the XI for the third Ashes Test.
Upon winning the toss, Ben Stokes-led England decided to field first at Headingley in Leeds on Wednesday, July 6. Right from the very first over of the contest, England landed the blows to take control of the match. Following the dismissal of the top-order batters, Mitchell Marsh’s run-a-ball century helped revive their innings.
However, Chris Woakes, Mark Wood, and Stuart Broad operated in tandem to restrict the Aussies to a meagre 263 runs in the first innings. In response to the total, Australia skipper Pat Cummins got the early wickets of Ben Duckett and Harry Brook, which quickly mounted the pressure on the hosts to get a hold of their innings.
Zak Crawley too headed back to the dugout after scoring 33 runs, courtesy of a splendid bowling display by Marsh. In the process, England got 68 runs at the close of Day 1, trailing by 195 runs.
Here are the Talking Points from Day 1 of the third Test;
English pacers come all guns blazing
Chris Woakes and Mark Wood, both made their return to the red-ball setup and swiftly produced impressive innings with the ball for the English side. Soon after Broad got the early wicket of Warner, dismissing him for a record-extending 16th time, Wood and Woakes took the onus to land the strikes at regular intervals.
Wood returned with a five-wicket haul in his 11.4 overs for 34 runs whereas Woakes added three wickets in his account for 73 runs in 17 overs. Meanwhile, Steve Smith, who featured in his 100th Test was dismissed by Broad as the latter claimed two wickets in the innings.
Mitchell Marsh’s century helps Australia revive innings
Despite the regular fall of wickets, in the middle order, Mitchell Marsh rose to the occasion and carved out a well-built century to help the Aussies get back to the contest. Marsh got 118 off 118 balls which included 17 fours and four sixes. However, soon after his dismissal, Australia’s batting unit fell like a pack of cards, bundling out for just 263 runs.
Pat Cummins’ double strike deflates England’s innings
In reply to the total, England failed to get a solid start to extend their domination as Australia skipper Pat Cummins led the attack with the ball. Cummins got the wickets of Duckett and Brook in quick time to help his side get back on level terms in the contest. Meanwhile, England lost three wickets as Marsh dismissed Crawley for 33 to restrict the side to 68 at the close of Day 1.
