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England’s Chris Woakes admitted that one session of play on the third day of the Headingley Test was mainly responsible for the hosts gaining the upper hand in the Ashes meeting. Woakes made it clear that they knew Australia had everything to lose, battling for a few hours in overcast conditions, and expressed his relief that England could take the big chance.
Day 3 of the Headingley Test started after tea on Saturday, 8 July. After the second innings resumed at 116/4, Australia were out for 224 as Woakes claimed 3/68, while Stuart Broad took 3/45 and Mark Wood 2/66.
Set to chase 251, England faltered at 171/6, but Harry Brook (75), Woakes (32*) and Wood (16* from 8) combined to lift the hosts to a three-wicket win and keep their Ashes hopes alive. Speaking to Sky Sports, Woakes admitted:
“It was perfect conditions for us (on the third day). There are two things there – it’s a great opportunity to go out there and hit the ball in great conditions, but there’s also pressure to put the ball in the right areas and make the most of those conditions. In Ashes cricket you really have to You take those little windows you get.”
The 34-year-old added:
“We were thinking all day that if we went out there for half an hour we could put the Australians under pressure. It had been raining all day and it wasn’t a good idea to go out there and bat for such a short period of time. To get that opportunity and do what we did, it was a moment great in this match.”
Woakes, playing in his first Test since March 2022, shone with three wickets in both innings, making a huge impact with his ability to move the ball.
“Woody came along and played two great shots” – Wax
While England eventually crossed the line at Headingley, there was no shortage of drama on the fourth day. Mitchell Starc claimed five wickets to keep Australia’s hopes alive. Brook frustrated the visitors with a powerful jab, but Stark dismissed him with the score at 230.
However, Wood came on and pulled England towards the goal. Reliving the tense final moments, Woakes said:
“When you get so close you feel like you almost crossed the line and then we felt like we were miles away from him again. Woody came in and played two great shots. His nerves were going. He played beautifully, letting a few go and the couple he got, they were perfect. A great feeling.”
Wood came in and hit a six and a four. Woakes then hit the winning runs by smashing Starc through on point for four.
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