England secure thrilling Ashes victory in Third Test

England made a thrilling comeback in the Ashes series by clinching a nail-biting three-wicket victory in the Third Test, leaving Australia pointing fingers before the winning runs were even scored.

Chasing a target of 251 on the fourth day, Australia made England sweat, with Mitchell Starc’s remarkable spell of 5/78 constantly dragging the visitors back into the game. Starc’s back-to-back dismissals of Ben Stokes and Jonny Bairstow left Australia needing four wickets with 80 runs to defend.

However, a strategic shift from England, coupled with lackluster support bowling from Scott Boland, and a short-ball strategy that frustrated Australian fans, ultimately determined the outcome. England surprised many by promoting Moeen Ali to first drop, which resulted in his quick dismissal after scoring just five runs. This move allowed Harry Brook to return to his preferred position at number five, where he played a match-winning innings of 75.

Brook and Chris Woakes (32 not out) formed a crucial partnership of 59 runs for the seventh wicket, steering England to victory. Mark Wood’s late hitting, scoring 16 runs from just eight balls, sealed the deal.

Australia’s chances of winning the match relied on another bowler stepping up to support Starc, but Boland failed to take a wicket and leaked 49 runs from 11 overs in England’s second innings. Spinner Todd Murphy (0/13 from two overs) had little impact as the pitch offered no turn.

Cricket critics were quick to point out the insipid performance of Australia’s support bowlers. Pat Cummins, despite his impressive six-wicket haul in the first innings, couldn’t replicate the same form and ended up with figures of 1/77. The Australian captain’s persistent use of the short ball also drew criticism, as it allowed England’s tail enders to score crucial runs.

Starc gets his fourth of the innings! Bairstow chops on #Ashes pic.twitter.com/KT0uCSz7RS

— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) July 9, 2023

Australia’s field placements, with two men on the boundary from the start of the day, allowed England’s openers to accumulate easy singles and make a positive start to their chase. Zak Crawley contributed 44 runs before falling to Mitch Marsh, but the partnership between Brook and Woakes proved decisive.

Despite Joe Root’s departure after being dismissed by Cummins, England remained in control with Brook leading the charge. Boland’s struggles continued, and boundaries flowed for Brook as England closed in on victory.

Australia’s selection choices and underperforming players were highlighted as factors contributing to their 3-0 deficit in the series. The team faces crucial decisions ahead of the Fourth Test in Manchester.

In the end, it was Mark Wood’s boundary hits and Chris Woakes’ winning runs that sealed the victory for England, capping off their fine performances in the Test. Despite a controversial experiment with Moeen Ali at number three, which didn’t pay off, the decision to keep Brook at number five proved to be a game-changer.

England's match-winning moment in another Headingley thriller! 💥#ENGvAUS | #Ashes pic.twitter.com/6ZRvqjwWaY

— ESPNcricinfo (@ESPNcricinfo) July 9, 2023

Australia finally took two quick wickets, creating nervousness for England. Mitchell Starc claimed his fourth wicket by dismissing Jonny Bairstow, reciprocating the send-off Bairstow gave Steve Smith in Australia’s second innings. However, with just 21 runs needed for victory, England remained in a favourable position, with Harry Brook leading the charge. Brook’s dismissal after a crucial knock of 75 didn’t derail England’s pursuit, as they ultimately secured a hard-fought win.

Australia’s hopes of a comeback were hampered by Scott Boland’s lack of impact, failing to take wickets in the match. His struggles meant increased workload for Starc and Cummins. Zak Crawley’s aggressive innings ended when he fell to Mitch Marsh, and England’s decision to promote Moeen Ali to number three was seen as a strange move that backfired. Pat Cummins finally got on the board by dismissing Joe Root, providing Australia with a glimmer of hope. However, Harry Brook’s quick scoring pushed England to a solid position of 4/153 at lunch.

Scott Boland’s disappointing series continued as he went wicketless in the match, contrasting with his impressive performance in the World Test Championship final. England’s openers took advantage of Australia’s field placements, collecting easy singles. Mitchell Starc struck early, trapping Ben Duckett LBW, and the surprise promotion of Moeen Ali to number three proved unsuccessful as Starc dismissed him for five runs. England reached 60/2, with Harry Brook and Joe Root at the crease.

Australia’s fielding tactics and bowling strategy drew criticism, with questions raised about the decision to leave the field open and bowl straight, allowing easy singles for England. The chase of 251 became tense as Australia sought breakthroughs, while England aimed to maintain their momentum.

Australia is still current favourites to claim the series paying $1.39 with the top cricket betting sites.

Australia to claim the Ashes series 2023

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