ASHES DAY FOUR, TEST THREE – SESSION BY SESSION: Harry Brook shines before Chris Woakes and Mark Wood tame nerves in exciting fashion to keep the series alive
- England secured a thrilling three-wicket victory over Australia at Headingley
- The win cut Australia’s lead at the Ashes to 2–1 with two games to play.
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England kept the Ashes alive after a thrilling win over Australia by three wickets at Headingley.
Starting the day at 27-0 and still requiring 224 runs to cut their series deficit to 2-1, the match ebbed and flowed once more as every time the hosts looked comfortable the Aussies fought back.
When Ben Stokes and Jonny Bairstow were dismissed on the cheap after lunch England still needed 80 to win with just four wickets remaining, but a superb 75 from Harry Brook and 32 without Chris Woakes steadied the ship.
However, the drama continued as Brook was out with 21 runs still required, but man of the match Mark Wood struck 16 from eight balls before Woakes hit the winning runs on a jubilant Headingley.
BelowMail Sport’s LAWRENCE BOOTH walks through the day session by session.
England kept the Ashes alive with a thrilling three-wicket victory at Headingley on Sunday
Shared MORNING SESSION (1/2 point each)
Every time England wondered if they were entering crystal clear waters while chasing the 251st, Australia shot them down.
Mitchell Starc struck twice, including the promoted Moeen Ali, and Zak Crawley undid the good work, not for the first time, with an ambitious attack on Mitchell Marsh.
Pat Cummins kept Australia in with Joe Root’s last wicket. At 153 for four, both teams had everything to play for.
Whenever England looked comfortable on the morning of the fourth day, they withdrew.
Mitchell Starc sacked Moeen Ali for just five after the England man was promoted to three
AFTERNOON SESSION: ENGLAND (1 point)
When Mitchell Starc bowled Jonny Bairstow from the inside edge for five, England were 171 for six, and Australia looked good to hold off the Ashes at the first possible opportunity.
But Harry Brook made an excellent 75, before Chris Woakes and Mark Wood controlled nerves in exciting fashion to secure a three-wicket victory and keep the series heading to Manchester alive.
Harry Brook scored an excellent 75 but went down with 21 still needed on home soil
Chris Woakes and Mark Wood brought the hosts to the line to cut Australia’s series lead to 2-1
VERDICT after day 4: ENGLAND DAY
ENGLAND (5½ PTS) Australia (3½ PTS)
Play of the Day: Wood applies the varnish
What was the moment England finally thought they couldn’t lose? Probably when Mark Wood played one of his no-look hooks for six off Pat Cummins to narrow the equation down to 12 needed.
It was the fourth time in the Test that he had cleared the ropes, and he earned the biggest roar of all.
Wood smashed 16 of eight balls, including a huge six from Pat Cummins towards the end
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