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England Maintains Ashes Hopes Alive With A Nerve-Wracking Victory Over Australia, Courtesy Of Chris Woakes

Darvesh Bhola

Australia’s lead in the Ashes series was significantly reduced in Leeds as England achieved a nail-biting victory in a thrilling run chase.

The English team, facing a 2-0 deficit before the third Test, needed to reach a target of 251 runs to keep their hopes of regaining the Ashes alive. The weather conditions were favorable with clear skies at Headingley.

Starting the fourth day at 27 without loss, England endured a tense battle until 3:38 pm when Chris Woakes struck a boundary through cover off Mitchell Starc to secure the winning runs.

Mark Wood, who shared an unbroken eighth-wicket partnership of 24 runs with Woakes, joined him in celebration on the pitch.

Australia fought fiercely throughout the day, with Starc taking five English wickets. The dismissals of Ben Duckett, Moeen Ali, Ben Stokes, and Jonny Bairstow left England shocked.

However, Harry Brook, who had dropped to number five in the batting order due to Moeen’s promotion, played a crucial innings of 75 runs from 93 balls, propelling England’s chase. In the process, Brook became the fastest player to reach 1,000 Test runs, achieving the milestone in just 1,058 balls.

His performance showcased his potential, which had been evident during the winter season in front of his home crowd.

Although Brook couldn’t finish the game, falling victim to Starc’s 14th five-wicket haul with a top-edged pull shot, England was still 21 runs away from victory with three wickets remaining, creating immense tension.

Woakes, who had formed a vital partnership with Brook, remained at the crease, while Wood played aggressively, smashing 16 runs off just eight balls, including a pulled six and a boundary off Starc’s wayward yorker. Woakes, unbeaten on 32, ultimately sealed the win for England.

The presence of Woakes and Wood at the end of the match added a sense of joy to the proceedings, bringing a light-hearted touch to a game that had started amidst controversy, particularly due to Bairstow’s stumping incident at Lord’s.

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These two players had also made significant contributions with the ball, with Woakes taking six wickets, including a pivotal two-wicket burst on the third evening, and Wood bowling at a rapid pace, reaching speeds of 90mph and claiming seven wickets.

Wood was rightfully named the player of the match, receiving a standing ovation from the Headingley crowd.

Most importantly, Woakes and Wood’s efforts have revived England’s chances in the series, as they now trail Australia 2-1 heading into the fourth Test at Old Trafford.

Despite some nervy moments towards the end of the run chase, including a few top-edged shots that landed safely, England managed to secure their first victory of the series.

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