The Ashes 2023: Mark Wood takes 5-34 but third Test poised after Mitchell Marsh ton

Headingley Ashes Test Day One: Mark Wood Shines with 5-34, Mitchell Marsh’s Century Keeps the Game in Balance

The third Ashes Test at Headingley commenced with an exhilarating display by Mark Wood, who claimed five wickets for England. However, the fate of the crucial match hangs in the balance after a captivating first day of play.

Wood played a pivotal role in England’s dismissal of Australia for 263 runs, despite an exceptional century from Mitchell Marsh. At the close of play, England found themselves struggling at 68-3, trailing by a significant margin of 195 runs.

Having won the toss, England capitalized on a lively pitch, reducing Australia to 85-4 before Marsh entered the crease and unleashed a stunning onslaught. Marsh’s knock of 118 runs off just as many deliveries, including 17 boundaries and four sixes, anchored a partnership of 155 runs with Travis Head.

England’s fielding performance was marred by four dropped catches, including Marsh on 12 and Head on nine. Nevertheless, they regained momentum when Marsh was dismissed in the final over before tea, with Australia at 240-4.

During a thrilling display of high-speed bowling, Wood, making his first appearance in the series, unleashed his electrifying pace, clocking speeds of up to 96.5mph. He claimed impressive figures of 5-34, playing a significant role in Australia’s collapse from 240-4 to their final total of 263.

With 90 minutes of batting remaining in the evening, England lost Ben Duckett and Harry Brook to Pat Cummins, while Marsh removed Zak Crawley. At stumps, Joe Root remained unbeaten on 19, accompanied by Jonny Bairstow at one, as England aimed to overturn their 2-0 series deficit and prevent Australia from clinching the urn at the earliest opportunity.

A Gripping Day at Headingley Unfolds
“The First Man to Score a Hundred on a UK Holiday”
Headingley Delivers a Thrilling Day Amid the Hype

The build-up to this Test was dominated by the fallout from Bairstow’s controversial dismissal at Lord’s, setting the stage for a potentially hostile atmosphere from the Leeds crowd. Following the Australian national anthem, Stuart Broad struck early by dismissing David Warner for the 16th time in his career, only with the fifth ball of the day.

Wood’s rapid opening spell delighted the spectators, and when Broad dismissed Steve Smith caught behind for 22 in his 100th Test, the Western Terrace erupted with joy as Australia found themselves four wickets down.

However, Marsh’s commanding performance in the afternoon silenced the English support as he dominated the bowling attack. Ollie Robinson’s absence due to a back spasm provided Marsh an opportunity to capitalize, and he made the most of it, amassing 113 runs in the second session. Although Root dropped a catch, Marsh’s luck eventually ran out when he nicked Chris Woakes’ delivery to second slip.

Following Marsh’s dismissal, Wood took center stage once again, reinvigorating the crowd with his sheer pace. His blistering spell saw him claim four wickets for just five runs in 16 balls, demolishing the Australian tail and reigniting England’s hopes.

However, Australia struck back, taking three late wickets, leaving Bairstow and the rest of the English team to endure a challenging period until the end of the day’s play.

A missed opportunity for England
Throughout a Test match at Headingley, batting tends to become easier as time progresses. However, there remains a nagging feeling that England let another advantageous position slip away due to missed chances in the field.

Electric Wood Lights up Headingley

Wood’s absence from the first two Tests due to various minor injuries became glaringly evident on this occasion. Based on his remarkable performance, it is clear that the series could have taken a different turn had the 33-year-old been available.

The Durham speedster consistently clocked speeds of 95mph and did not concede a run until his fourth over. Wood’s ferocious delivery shattered Usman Khawaja’s stumps for just 13 runs.

Wood also had a chance to dismiss Head for just nine, but Bairstow failed to hold onto the catch as the left-hander attempted a shot down the leg side.

England’s missed opportunities hindered an otherwise excellent bowling effort. Bairstow dropped a more challenging chance off Robinson, with Smith’s inside edge deceiving him when the ball was on just four.

Root also missed a second chance as he failed to grab a catch above his head after Alex Carey played a cut shot. However, Root made amends by catching Head off Woakes’ delivery a ball later.

Woakes, playing his first Test under captain Ben Stokes, displayed accuracy and movement with the ball. Nevertheless, it was Wood who stole the limelight with his exceptional performance. His average pace throughout the innings was an impressive 90.5mph, with only the legendary Brett Lee in 2005 recording a higher speed in England.

Wood’s pace unsettled and dismissed Carey, who faced boos from the crowd, got hit on the head by a bouncer from Wood, and was eventually caught while attempting a slash to the covers. Cummins fell victim to an lbw, Mitchell Starc’s stumps were rattled, and debutant Todd Murphy was bowled off an inside edge as Wood claimed his first five-wicket haul in England.

Marsh Roars on His Return

All-rounder Mitchell Marsh had not played a Test match in four years since the fifth Test of the previous Ashes series in England. He returned to the team for this match due to an injury to fellow all-rounder Cameron Green.

Coming in at 85-4, Marsh displayed his batting prowess with an impressive knock reminiscent of his contributions during Australia’s triumph in the 2021 T20 World Cup. He capitalized on anything short or full, hitting three of his four sixes off the English fast bowlers into the stands.

The dismissals of Ben Duckett and Harry Brook, who nicked behind to Cummins and the Australia skipper, respectively, for low scores, were followed by Marsh’s introduction into the attack. In his second over, Marsh managed to find slight movement away from the bat, resulting in Crawley’s edge being caught behind after the opener had shown promising signs with his innings of 33.

Marsh’s exceptional performance may ultimately shape the outcome of this Test match.

‘Wood was Exceptional’ – Reactions

Mitchell Marsh of Australia, speaking to Sport Newes Center, expressed his elation, stating, “It was pretty amazing, I’m still lost for words. In the past, my nerves have often gotten the better of me, and I’ve worked hard to control them. Today was my day, and I believe luck always plays a role.”

Mark Wood of England, speaking to Sport Newes Center, shared his joy, saying, “The past few weeks have been challenging, but it was an incredible feeling to celebrate a milestone in front of the home crowd.”

Former England captain Michael Vaughan, speaking on Test Match Special, praised the pitch and anticipated a great contest, saying, “It’s an excellent pitch for both batsmen and bowlers, which sets the stage for an enthralling battle.”

Former England captain Alastair Cook, also on Test Match Special, lauded Wood’s performance, remarking, “Wood was exceptional. Bowling at 95mph is a naturalHeadingley Ashes Test Day One: Mark Wood’s Sensational Spell Puts England in Contention

On the opening day of the third Ashes Test at Headingley, Mark Wood delivered a scintillating performance, taking five wickets for England. However, despite his heroics, the match remains evenly poised as Mitchell Marsh’s magnificent century keeps Australia in the game.

England won the toss and chose to field on a lively pitch, which proved to be a wise decision as they quickly reduced Australia to 85-4. However, Marsh arrived at the crease and played a blistering knock, scoring a sensational century off just as many balls. His partnership of 155 runs with Travis Head propelled Australia to a total of 263, despite several dropped catches by England.

Wood, playing his first match of the series, showcased his electric pace and skill, reaching speeds of 96.5mph and finishing with impressive figures of 5-34. His fiery bowling display dismantled the Australian batting lineup, leading to a collapse of their final six wickets for just 23 runs.

In their reply, England faced a challenging period of batting in the evening and lost three wickets, ending the day at 68-3, still trailing by 195 runs. Joe Root and Jonny Bairstow were at the crease, hoping to steer England towards a comeback and prevent Australia from sealing the Ashes victory.

The day’s play at Headingley was filled with excitement and drama, with both teams showing moments of dominance. The match hangs in the balance, and the following days promise to be equally thrilling as England looks to turn the tide and Australia seeks to secure the urn.

Note: The article is rewritten while maintaining the essence of the original text.

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More about Ashes

• The Ashes 2023: Mark Wood takes 5-34 but third Test poised after Mitchell Marsh ton – BBC Sport
• Third Ashes Test: Marsh ton but Wood five-for keeps match in balance – ESPNcricinfo
• Mark Wood’s fiery spell puts England in contention – The Guardian
• Mitchell Marsh’s century keeps Australia in the game – Sky Sports
• Headingley Ashes Test: Day 1 Recap – Cricket Australia