![Ashes 2023 [WATCH]: Australia blown away by England’s Bazball and Mark Wood’s pace](https://crickettimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Travis-Head-had-no-answer-to-Mark-Woods-pace.jpg "Ashes 2023 [WATCH]: Australia blown away by England’s Bazball and Mark Wood’s pace")
England put on a commanding display of aggressive batting on Day 3 of the fourth Ashes 2023 Test in Manchester as they stretched their lead to 275 runs. Jonny Bairstow‘s explosive innings played a major role in the English team reaching a mammoth total of 592 runs before being bundled out by the Australia. Following Bairstow’s exploit, it was Mark Wood‘s fiery pace that proved too hot to handle for the Australian batters, pushing the visitors on the back foot.
Having resumed their innings on the morning of Day 3 at 384/4, England adopted the ‘bazball’ approach, going all guns blazing to further stretch their lead against Australia. The aggressive intent paid off as they amassed a mammoth total of 592 runs before being bowled out. The middle order contributed significantly, with Harry Brook (61) and Ben Stokes (51) scoring valuable fifties to bolster the team’s total. Nevertheless, the highlight of England’s innings was Bairstow’s sensational knock. Bairstow crafted an unbeaten 99 off just 81 balls by displaying an array of aggressive stroke play. The England wicketkeeper’s dominance at the crease ensured that England had a formidable total on the board.
Summer 2022 vibes 😍
50 up in style for Jonny!
🏴 #ENGvAUS 🇦🇺 |@IGcom 🏴 pic.twitter.com/uaXNMEXd2Q
— England Cricket (@englandcricket) July 21, 2023
As the Australian team took to the field, they faced the daunting task of erasing the massive deficit. However, their hopes were quickly dashed by the sheer pace and hostility of England seamer Wood. The fiery fast bowler unleashed a barrage of rapid deliveries that rattled the Australian top order. The final wicket of the day also went to Wood as he stunned Travis Head with a ripper of a short ball which the Aussie batter had no answer to.
It all happened in the 36th over when Wood bowled a short and searing delivery to Head. The left-handed batter seemed helpless against the sheer pace and bounce, attempting to defend the ball away. However, the ball took the edge and flew towards the gully, where Ben Duckett made no mistake in taking a comfortable catch.
Travis Head is completely bamboozled by the pace and bounce of Mark Wood! 🌪️
Four down. Six to go. #EnglandCricket | #Ashes pic.twitter.com/9d2B9U1Ewp
— England Cricket (@englandcricket) July 21, 2023
Throughout his spell, Wood consistently clocked impressive speeds and troubled the Australian players, ending the day with figures of 3/17.
Speaking of Australia, Marnus Labuschagne (54) and Mitchell Marsh (1) are still on the crease for them. However, the visitors found themselves struggling at 64/4 as the stumps were drawn on Day 3.
