England pacer Chris Woakes admitted that one session of play on Day 3 of the Headingley Take a look at was primarily accountable for the hosts getting the higher hand within the Ashes encounter. Woakes defined that they knew Australia had every part to lose, batting for a few hours underneath overcast circumstances, and expressed satisfaction that England might seize the massive alternative.
Day 3 of the Headingley Take a look at started after tea on Saturday, July 8. Resuming their second innings on 116/4, Australia have been bowled out for 224 as Woakes claimed 3/68, whereas Stuart Broad picked up 3/45 and Mark Wooden 2/66.
Set to chase 251, England stumbled 171/6, however Harry Brook (75), Woakes (32*) and Wooden (16* off 8) mixed to elevate the hosts to a three-wicket win and hold their Ashes hopes alive. Chatting with Sky Sports activities, Woakes admitted:
“They have been good circumstances for us [on Day 3]. There are two issues there – it’s an awesome alternative to go there and bowl in nice circumstances, but additionally there’s stress to place the ball in the correct areas and take advantage of these circumstances. In Ashes cricket, you actually should take these little home windows that you simply get.”
The 34-year-old added:
“We have been considering all through the day that if we get on the market for even half an hour, we will put the Aussies underneath stress. It was raining all day and it’s by no means good to go on the market and bat for a brief time period. To get that chance and to do what we did, it was an enormous second on this match.”
Woakes, taking part in in his first Take a look at since March 2022, shone with three wickets in each innings, making a big impact along with his skill to maneuver the ball.
“Woody got here in and performed two improbable photographs” – Woakes
Whereas England finally acquired over the road at Headingley, there was no scarcity of drama on Day 4. Mitchell Starc claimed 5 wickets to maintain Australia’s hopes alive. Brook thwarted the guests with a defiant knock, however was dismissed by Starc with the rating studying 230.
Wooden, nonetheless, got here in and hauled England in direction of the goal. Reliving the tense closing moments, Woakes stated:
“While you get so shut, you are feeling like you’re nearly over the road after which we felt miles away from it once more. Woody got here in and performed two improbable photographs. His nerves have been going. He performed superbly, left a couple of and the couple that he acquired, simply good. Superb feeling.”
Wooden got here in and struck a six and a 4. Woakes then hit the profitable runs by smashing Starc via level for 4.
