LEEDS: Despite a rain-interrupted day, the third Ashes Test at Headingly witnessed a thrilling display of cricket as Travis Head’s dazzling innings and Ben Duckett’s strokeplay provided a much-needed boost for England on Day 3. At stumps, England, chasing a target of 251 to keep their Ashes hopes alive, reached 27/0, with openers Zack Crawley and Ben Duckett showing resilience at their respective scores of 9* and 18*.
After persistent rain kept the players off the field for most of the day, Head’s fireworks with the willow brought the proceedings to life during the 34 overs that were possible. The Australian batsman emerged as the standout performer, ensuring his team had a defendable total going into Day 4.
Resuming their partnership with Australia at a precarious 116/4, Mitchell Marsh and Travis Head had the daunting task of driving the lead and frustrating the hosts. The right-left batting pair started the day cautiously before Marsh’s dismissal triggered a batting collapse. Australia was ultimately bowled out for 224 in its second innings.
England’s skipper, Ben Hopes, introduced Chris Woakes into the attack in a desperate bid for a turnaround, and the move paid off. Woakes bowled a disciplined line and length, causing trouble for the Australian batsmen. Marsh, who had been determined to avoid playing deliveries outside off, succumbed to a moment of indecision and was caught behind by Jonny Bairstow off Woakes’ bowling. The centurion from the first inning departed for a mere 28 (52) in the second dig.
Alex Carey briefly displayed his attacking prowess but fell victim to a similar dismissal as Marsh. A ball ricocheted off his gloves and dislodged the bails, resulting in Carey’s departure for 5 (14).
With Australia losing their last recognised batsman, Head decided to unleash an onslaught on the English attack. Joined by Mitchell Starc, Head found success with two consecutive boundaries. The first was fortuitous, flying past Bairstow for four byes, while the next was a magnificent drive that raced to the fence off Mark Wood’s bowling.
However, Wood had the final say as he dismissed Starc for 16 (19). Pat Cummins followed suit, falling to Wood for just one (8). With wickets falling rapidly at the other end, Head continued his assault on Woakes and Wood, reaching his well-deserved half-century with a boundary.
Stuart Broad joined the party, dismissing Todd Murphy for 11 (10) with a trapping delivery in front of the stumps. Head’s impressive innings finally came to an end as he attempted to clear the boundary but ended up finding Duckett’s safe hands for a valiant 77 (112).
Heading into the final two days, England faces a formidable challenge, requiring a further 224 runs with all ten wickets intact. The outcome of this Test will have a significant impact on the series, and England will be hoping for a strong start from Crawley and Duckett as they continue their pursuit of victory.
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