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Seven wickets and 40 runs. Such was Mark Wood’s contribution to England as they beat Australia in the Headingley Test and cruised to a comeback in the series after successive losses.
While the standout bowler, who conceded nearly giving away play at his longest form last year, delivered the ball as he scored Vivier in the first innings, it was his performance with the bat that ended the match for England on the fourth day of the Fifth Test. However, the 33-year-old isn’t ready to take the All-rounder tag anytime soon. “Definitely too soon for that, anything higher and I’d get a nosebleed,” Wood admitted after winning man of the match on Sunday. “I was so happy about it, I don’t know what effect it would have. Glad to get some running in. The support everywhere we go is amazing, but it’s always better up north, right?”
On his overall performance for England which was his first in the ongoing Ashes series, Wood said: “Absolutely, happy to be here, especially as man of the match. A big win for us and he’s keeping the series alive. I wasn’t very good in that dressing room. The lads will tell you, he’s gone.” Sweaty all the way through. But it’s a lot easier in the middle. To take on some of the best bowlers in the world, it’s my first time taking on England with the bat so I’m happy.”
On breaking the 150km/h speed barrier, Wood added, “I don’t know if it’s the fastest, as I was thinking about Bob Willis, coming down the hill. Stokesy was very clear about my role, bowl short, sharp spells and give him my all.” I have. There are still things to work on.”
With England victorious, the five-Test series is now poised to score at 2-1 with the convoy moving to Manchester next. “Both sides put a lot of effort into the tail and that’s something we have to fight against. Wood said.
Earlier, Australia had run top-order England to defend 251. Mitchell Stark grabbed a five-wicket haul in the second innings, but Harry Brook’s 50 and contributions from Chris Wokes and Mark Wood lowering the order helped the hosts snatch a three-wicket victory.
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