3rd Test, Leeds, July 06, 2023, 03:30 PM
![](https://images.cricket.com/teams/1_flag_safari.png)
263/10(60.4ov) & 224/10(67.1ov)
![](https://images.cricket.com/teams/3_flag_safari.png)
237/10(52.3ov) & 254/7(50.0ov)
England beat Australia by 3 wickets
Best Batsmen
R
B
4S
6S
SR
Best Bowler
O
R
W
Econ
Man of the Match
Mark Wood
Commentry
Right then, the crowd and viewers all got what they wanted as England do win the third Ashes Test and have now injected new life into the series. All three matches have been close and now it is time for the two sides to take a bit of a breather as there is quite a gap between the 3rd and 4th Test. The 4th Ashes Test will start on July 19, Wednesday and will be played at Old Trafford. A win for Australia will see them clinch their first away Ashes series win since 2001, while a draw will see them keep the Ashes. England must win to level the series and have a chance of reclaiming the Ashes. The first ball will be bowled at 3.30 pm IST (10 am GMT), but as you know you can join us early for all the build-up. Until then, cheers and goodbye!
Ben Stokes, the victorious skipper of England says that it was another down-the-wire game but he is happy that they got over the line this time. Adds that by winning the toss, they could have batted and bowled as the wicket looked good. Tells that Marsh took the game on and the outfield was quick too. Says that Wood and Woakes did well coming back to Test cricket. Mentions that they try to see how they can be influential in the game. Says that he didn't realise that Woakes hasn't played a Test for so long but having a batter like him at number 8 helps a lot. Further adds that Wood is someone who can bowl at 150 clicks and with the bat he is just a free spirit and his 24 off 8 in the first innings was a massive swing in the game. Then says that Ali told them that he wanted to take on the bowlers and that is why he was sent at number 3. Tells that he and Baz try to go with the flow. Mentions that the break is good for both teams as the next game is a crucial one. Ends by saying that they love playing cricket in England for the crowd and the Western Terrace was amazing.
Pat Cummins, the captain of Australia says that there were a few instances in the match where they went back and forth like on the first day where they lost 6 quick wickets. Mentions that each session in this series matters a lot and applauds the spell bowled by Moeen Ali where he got Smith and Labuschagne out. Adds that 250 gave them something to bowl at but it just wasn't enough. On Warner, he says that he was brilliant at Lord's and on Mitchell Marsh, he says that he is very happy for him. Ends by saying that they have a few days to recharge and is looking forward to the Test at Old Trafford.
Mark Wood is the PLAYER OF THE MATCH for his crucial contributions in all departments. He says that it was worth the wait and he is happy to keep the series alive. Adds that there were sweaty palms when he was sitting in the dressing room. Tells that it was a great performance against some of the best players in the world. Mentions that he doesn't know if this was the quickest he has ever bowled but coming down the hill helped him. Says that Stokes told him to keep it short and sharp and exactly did that. Further adds that there are still a few things to work on, especially against the tail, but he was pleased with his batting performance. Ends by saying that the support is always great everywhere he goes and he hopes to be fit for both upcoming Tests.
The thrill of Test cricket when we get games like this time and again is simply unmatched and we have once again been treated to a humdinger of a game. Right from Day 1, this match swung from one side to the other and the series is alive and kicking. This game was a game which had some brilliant individual performances like Mitchell Marsh's fabulous hundred in the first innings, skipper Pat Cummins's six-wicket haul as well and also the brilliant return to Test cricket from Chris Woakes whose total contribution in the game did matter a lot. But, it was Mark Wood who stood out from the rest as after returning to Test cricket in a pressure match, he bowled a sensational spell in the first innings and picked up five wickets. Then he went on to play handy cameos in both innings to seal the deal for his side. All in all, a great game of cricket, which even though was marred by a lot of rain on Day 3, produced some high-octane action. Stay tuned for the presentation ceremony...
Australia almost won yet another close match but it wasn't meant to be this time around. With only 250 runs to defend, it was a tough ask but they did find a way to get wickets at regular intervals. Mitchell Starc was the chief contributor with a solid five-wicket haul but Pat Cummins bowled pretty well yet again and so did Mitchell Marsh. Scott Boland though had a tough time and young Todd Murphy couldn't do much with the few overs he was given. In the end, they simply didn't have enough runs on the board and their lead is now cut in half.
WHAT A GAME! THE ASHES IS ALIVE! Shades of 2019 as England pull off yet another chase at Headingley and get themselves back in the five-match series as they make it 2-1. England have managed to hold their nerves and get over the line thanks to a brilliant knock of 75 from Harry Brook and some fireworks at the end from Mark Wood. Chris Woakes though a bit of an unsung hero in this game and played a big role as he gave Brook ample support when skipper Ben Stokes got out. The hosts seemed to be in control of the chase but every now and then lost wickets at crucial times and once Brook got out, the chips seemed down but have managed to hang on.
In over# 50
4
1
1
1
2
1wd
4
Mitchell Starc 78/5(16)
49.6
4
FOUR! Chris Woakes hits the winning runs in style! Mitchell Starc serves this full, outside off, Chris Woakes backs away and drills it past cover-point for a boundary. ENGLAND WIN BY 3 WICKETS!
49.5
1
Short of a length and outside off, Mark Wood steers it towards deep point for one. SCORES LEVEL!
49.4
1
On a length and on off, Chris Woakes taps it wide of point for a quick run.
49.3
1
DROPPED! Almost another twist! Mitchell Starc bangs this short, on middle, Mark Wood looks to pull but gets a top edge as the ball flies in the air towards third man, Alex Carey runs backwards and dives but fails to grab it. It should have been Scott Boland's catch. Wood gets another run.
49.2
2
Fullish and on middle, Mark Wood makes room and pushes it wide of deep point for a couple of runs. England one hit away now!
49.2
1wd
Mitchell Starc bangs in a bouncer, outside off, too high, Mark Wood leaves it alone. It is called a wide for height. The crowd cheers!
49.1
4
FOUR! What a shot! Mark Wood finds the fence! Mitchell Starc serves this full and on off, Mark Wood steps away and carves it through covers for a boundary. England 7 runs away from the win now!
In over# 49
0
1
0
6
1
0
Pat Cummins 77/1(15)
48.6
.
This is on a hard length but down the leg side, Chris Woakes lets it go to the keeper.
48.5
1
Short delivery, on middle, Mark Wood heaves it towards deep mid-wicket for a run.
48.4
.
Pat Cummins with yet another bouncer, on off, Mark Wood leaves it alone this time.