In a nail-biting encounter at Headingley, England secured a tense victory over Australia, thanks to Harry Brook‘s aggressive innings of 75, which trumped Mitchell Starc‘s impressive five-wicket haul. The thrilling win by the hosts kept the Ashes series alive, with England narrowing the gap to 2-1.
Notably, England faced a formidable challenge against a fiery Starc, but they managed to withstand his onslaught and pull one back in the series. The match unfolded as an edge-of-the-seat thriller, captivating fans around the world. Starc wreaked havoc in England’s innings, but it was Brook who emerged as the hero, guiding England closer to victory.
Just when the home team needed a little over 20 runs to win, Starc delivered a crucial blow by dismissing the determined Brook. The right-handed batter had been the anchor for England’s innings, holding it together as Australia consistently picked up wickets. After the lunch break, England found themselves at 171/6, but Brook’s partnership with Chris Woakes resurrected their hopes.
The duo’s half-century stand brought England within touching distance of victory. However, a moment of tension arose when Brook played an ambitious pull shot, offering Australia a chance to stage a comeback. The match hung in the balance as the fans held their breath.
Fortunately for England, Mark Wood stepped up to the occasion, relieving the mounting pressure. He smashed a crucial six off Pat Cummins in the following over and followed it up with a boundary off Starc’s half-volley, effectively quashing any hopes of an Australian resurgence.
The thrilling match drew significant attention on Twitter, with fans and cricket enthusiasts expressing their excitement and admiration for the riveting contest. The social media platform buzzed with discussions, reactions, and appreciation for the performances of Brook, and the overall intensity of the game.
Here is how Twitter reacted:
🏴 ENGLAND WIN! 🏴
Must win. Did win!
COME ON! 💪 #EnglandCricket | #Ashes pic.twitter.com/x9VfxLRRbU
— England Cricket (@englandcricket) July 9, 2023
This has been far too good a series to be decided just yet! Great fightback from Eng to keep the Ashes alive! Crucial partnership between Brook and Woakes, well played @englandcricket 👏🏽 #Ashes pic.twitter.com/CmJmqnBVpt
— Wasim Jaffer (@WasimJaffer14) July 9, 2023
Woakes and Wood 🫶
— Steven Finn (@finnysteve) July 9, 2023
I must admit to being envious of the following Test cricket has in England.
— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) July 9, 2023
3 incredible Test matches in a row!!! Unreal
— AB de Villiers (@ABdeVilliers17) July 9, 2023
The Ashes is well and truly alive 🔥
— Sam Billings (@sambillings) July 9, 2023
Another tight one & the #Ashes still well alive. Who needs to sleep…apologies to my neighbours as I scream at the TV #exhausted
— Lisa Sthalekar (@sthalekar93) July 9, 2023
You absolute beauties. Wood and Woakes – don’t get any more reliable than that 😍😍 #Ashes2023
— Isa Guha (@isaguha) July 9, 2023
Mark Wood is my favourite cricketer. @ECB_cricket @SkyCricket
— Craig Kieswetter (@kiesy_22) July 9, 2023
#BOOM 🚀🚀🚀🚀🚀🚀🚀🚀🚀🚀
— Kevin Pietersen🦏 (@KP24) July 9, 2023
Well played England 👏
Another amazing Test match 👍
Ashes alive 2/1
Apologies – Flem Viz had some technical difficulties late 🤔 #ashes2023— Damien Fleming (@bowlologist) July 9, 2023
Headingley Day 4 … this is a special cricket ground … #Ashes
— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) July 9, 2023
Well played England 2-1 😂😂👏 @ECB_cricket @CricketAus , Bad luck lads , onto the next one to clinch the ashes .👍
— Darren Lehmann (@darren_lehmann) July 9, 2023
Another brilliant test match.
What a difference Mark Wood has made to this England XI. Big question is, can he remain fit for the final two matches, let’s hope so he’s box office! #Ashes2023— Tom Moody (@TomMoodyCricket) July 9, 2023