The much-anticipated third Ashes Test at Headingley produced an engrossing first day of cricket with a phenomenal performance from Mark Wood and a brilliant century from Mitchell Marsh.
6️⃣8️⃣/3️⃣
— England Cricket (@englandcricket) July 6, 2023
Joe Root (19*) and Jonny Bairstow (1*) remain unbeaten at the close. #EnglandCricket | #Ashes pic.twitter.com/RHWpU7TIcK
Wood’s explosive display with the ball helped England bowl out Australia for 263, but the hosts found themselves in a difficult position at the end of the day, ending on 68-3 and trailing by 195 runs.
𝗕𝗮𝗰𝗸 in the side.
— England Cricket (@englandcricket) July 6, 2023
𝗕𝗮𝗰𝗸 with FIVE wickets!
Take a bow, Mark Wood 👏
🏴 #ENGvAUS 🇦🇺 | @IGcom pic.twitter.com/nyb0Sibi1G
After winning the toss and electing to bowl on a lively pitch, England’s decision paid dividends as they reduced Australia to 85-4. However, Marsh stormed to the crease, scoring a brilliant 118 off as many balls. His explosive innings, which included 17 fours and four sixes, guided Australia to a respectable total. Missed chances, including dropped catches by Marsh and Head, proved costly for England, but Wood’s exceptional bowling brought his team back into the game.
So fast, Pat Cummins didn't even play a shot 🌪️
— England Cricket (@englandcricket) July 6, 2023
How good is Mark Wood? 🤯 #EnglandCricket | #Ashes pic.twitter.com/TSbeWSotfY
Playing his first match of the series, Wood’s devastating spell saw him claim an impressive five wickets for just 34 runs. His blistering pace, reaching 96.5 mph, troubled the Australian batsmen and was instrumental in limiting their scores. Marsh’s dismissal in the last over before tea gave England a timely breakthrough. From a comfortable position of 240-4, Australia suffered a dramatic collapse, losing their last six wickets for just 23 runs.
England faced a difficult batting spell towards the end of the day, losing the wickets of Ben Duckett and Harry Brook to Pat Cummins before Marsh struck again to dismiss Zac Crowley. Jonny Bairstow is yet to open his account as England captain Joe Root remains not out on 19 at stumps. The home team faces an uphill battle to overturn a 2-0 series deficit and prevent Australia from winning the Ashes as soon as possible.
The atmosphere at Headingley lived up to expectations, with tensions running high after Jonny Bairstow’s controversial dismissal in the previous Test. Stuart Broad made an immediate impact by dismissing David Warner for the 16th time in his career. Wood’s pace and animosity fired up the crowd, as he continued to trouble the Australian batsmen. However, Marsh’s commanding century turned the tide in Australia’s favour, silencing the home fans. England’s missed opportunities and dropped catches allowed Marsh to flourish.
Mitchell Marsh 🙌
— ICC (@ICC) July 6, 2023
Walked in at 85/4 and has made a hundred in his first Test match since 2019 😎#WTC25 | #ENGvAUS 📝: https://t.co/CIqx6cWyPZ pic.twitter.com/h7z73gMIPF
Wood’s impressive performance with the ball showed his immense talent and highlighted what England had lacked in the previous Test. His pace and ability to take crucial wickets put Australia on the back foot and brought life to the contest. On the other hand, Marsh’s sensational return to Test cricket after a four-year absence demonstrated his immense value to the Australian team. His explosive batting display swung the momentum in Australia’s favor and put them in a commanding position heading into the second day of play.
