Ashes 2023: [WATCH] Mark Wood Cleverly Dismisses Travis Head With A Speedy Short Delivery

Veteran pacer Mark Wood showcased his exceptional skills during the third day of the fourth Ashes Test at Old Trafford, where he dismantled Australia’s batting lineup after England had secured a substantial first-innings lead of 275 runs. Wood’s strategic use of aggressive short balls proved highly effective against the Australian batsmen, and he caught middle-order batter Travis Head off guard with one such delivery.

The ball climbed onto Head, but it ended up looping off his bat for a comfortable catch by Ben Duckett at the gully. Head’s innings was cut short, adding just one run to Australia’s total after facing seven deliveries. His dismissal left the Australian team in a precarious situation, as they still needed to overcome England’s massive lead with two days remaining in the match.

Mark Wood ended Day 3 of the 4th Ashes Test with impressive bowling figures of 3/17

Travis Head is completely bamboozled by the pace and bounce of Mark Wood! 🌪️

Four down. Six to go. #EnglandCricket | #Ashes pic.twitter.com/9d2B9U1Ewp

— England Cricket (@englandcricket) July 21, 2023

Mark Wood’s entry into the attack during the 11th over of the Australian second innings was met with immediate success as he claimed the wicket of Usman Khawaja. Bowling short and quick from around the wicket, Wood induced an edge from Khawaja, which was comfortably caught by the wicketkeeper.

Khawaja’s decision to challenge the on-field umpire’s decision through the Decision Review System (DRS) proved futile, as the ultra-edge confirmed the faint nick, leading to his departure. As the match progressed, Marnus Labuschagne and Steve Smith worked together to stabilize Australia’s innings.

However, Wood once again demonstrated his prowess when he bowled a sharp bouncer to Smith, who attempted a hook shot but ended up gloving the ball to Jonny Bairstow behind the stumps, resulting in another significant wicket for England. At the end of the third day’s play, Australia found themselves at 113/4, with Marnus Labuschagne (44*) and Mitchell Marsh (1*) at the crease. The tourists still had a challenging task ahead, needing to score 162 runs to set a target for England.

Earlier in the day, England’s batting lineup had been in fine form, with notable contributions from Ben Stokes, Harry Brook, and Jonny Bairstow, each reaching their respective fifties to bolster England’s total. Bairstow’s innings was particularly commendable as he remained unbeaten on 99 runs when the final wicket of James Anderson fell to Cameron Green, bringing England’s innings to a close.

Mark Wood’s impressive display of bowling prowess played a crucial role in shifting the balance in favour of England, and with Australia facing an uphill battle, the upcoming days promised to be a thrilling and intense contest between the two cricketing giants.

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