Ashes 2023: England makes a fast start chasing 251 to win the third Test at Headingley

England launched a rapid pursuit of 251 runs to secure victory in the third Test at Headingley, thus rekindling their hopes of making a comeback in the 2023 Ashes series.

During the electrifying evening of Day 3 in Leeds, Chris Woakes, Mark Wood and Stuart Broad exhibited exceptional bowling prowess, each claiming two crucial wickets. As the sun replaced the persistent rain that had plagued earlier proceedings, Zak Crawley (9 not out) and Ben Duckett (18 not out) wasted no time in propelling England’s score to 27 without loss in just five overs.

Due to inclement weather, the opening two sessions were washed out, resurfacing only to be interrupted once again after a solitary over. At that point, Australia stood at 116 for 4, holding a 142-run advantage over England. However, the second hiatus was short-lived, and fans were treated to an exhilarating two-and-a-half hours of cricket, which perfectly mirrored the captivating nature of the entire series.

Under initially overcast skies, Australia’s second innings concluded at 224, with Travis Head’s impressive 77 from 112 deliveries serving as their primary contribution of 108 runs. Woakes (3/68) successfully dismissed first-innings centurion Mitchell Marsh (28) and Alex Carey (5), while Wood (3/66) accounted for Mitchell Starc (16) and Pat Cummins (1), leaving the visitors struggling at 170-8.

Despite the 196-run lead, Head and Todd Murphy (11) formed a partnership of 41 for the ninth wicket until Broad (3/45) dismissed Murphy lbw during an exceptional over. Broad later sealed Australia’s innings by having Head caught at deep midwicket, just moments after Head had dispatched Wood for consecutive sixes.

Recent history at Headingley has demonstrated its reputation as a ground where successful chases are possible. In 2017, the West Indies successfully chased down 322 runs, while the unforgettable 2019 Ashes Test saw England, led by Ben Stokes, achieve a remarkable victory by reaching 359 runs against Australia. Additionally, England scored 269 runs against New Zealand last summer at this venue.

Sachin Tendulkar, one of the greatest batters to grace the game, also believes that if England bats sensibly and shows positive intent they can chase the set total at Headingley.

“The first hour at Headingley is going to be critical tomorrow. I feel the wicket is playing absolutely fine and if England bat sensibly and are positive in their approach they will get there. They require discipline in their shot selection with a positive approach and the total will be chased.#Ashes,” tweeted Tendulkar.

The first hour at Headingley is going to be critical tomorrow.

I feel the wicket is playing absolutely fine and if England bat sensibly and are positive in their approach they will get there. They require discipline in their shot selection with a positive approach and the total…

— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) July 8, 2023

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July 09, 2023 at 10:00AM