ENG v AUS Ashes 2023 3rd Test Day 1 Highlights: Mitchell Marsh and Mark Wood emerged as the standout performers on an eventful opening day of the third Ashes Test. Australia’s Marsh made a sensational comeback, smashing a magnificent century, while England’s Wood bowled with relentless pace and aggression to claim his maiden five-wicket haul in a home Test. The thrilling encounter saw fortunes swing back and forth, leaving the game finely poised after a day of compelling action.
Dream Start for England
According to ENG v AUS Ashes 2023 3rd Test Day 1 Highlights, Opting to bowl first, England got off to a dream start as Stuart Broad once again troubled David Warner, dismissing him early. The Headingley crowd erupted in delight as the first wicket fell in just the fifth ball of the match. Wood, making a return to the Test side after a period of absence due to fitness concerns, immediately displayed his pace and skill, causing trouble for the Australian batsmen.
According to the ENG v AUS Ashes 2023 3rd Test Day 1 Highlights, his fiery spell resulted in the crucial wicket of Usman Khawaja, uprooting his leg stump and sending a clear message of intent.
Wood Hit the Kangaroos
Wood’s persistence and raw pace continued to trouble the Australian lineup, with Marnus Labuschagne finding it difficult to handle the relentless barrage of deliveries. Chris Woakes, also making his comeback after a considerable gap, struck by inducing an edge from Labuschagne, which was comfortably caught by the slip fielder.
According to the ENG v AUS Ashes 2023 3rd Test Day 1 Highlights, England further gained momentum as Stuart Broad dismissed the experienced Steve Smith, who fell to a catch behind the wicket despite opting for a review.
For more, see: Ashes 3rd Test 1st Day Results
Lousy Fielding Cost the Day
However, England’s celebrations were short-lived as they suffered from dropped catches throughout the day. Jonny Bairstow missed a challenging chance to dismiss Smith early on, and later, he failed to hold onto a much easier opportunity when Travis Head was on just 9. As per the ENG v AUS Ashes 2023 3rd Test Day 1 Highlights, the most significant blunder came when Joe Root grassed a straightforward catch at slip, reprieving the dangerous Marsh on 12.
Also Read: ENG vs AUS Women Ashes Test 1 Highlights
Also Read: England vs Australia – Ashes Series 2023 Schedule
ENG v AUS Ashes 2023 3rd Test Day 1 Highlights: Marsh Owned England
Marsh capitalized on the reprieve and produced a breathtaking innings, taking control of the proceedings. His powerful strokeplay and commanding presence at the crease dismantled the English attack, leaving them searching for answers. As per the ENG v AUS Ashes 2023 3rd Test Day 1 Highlights, Marsh unleashed an array of aggressive shots, reaching his half-century from just 59 deliveries.
He continued his assault, even after reaching the milestone, and recorded a remarkable century off a mere 102 balls. As per the Ashes 3rd Test 1st Day Results, Marsh’s onslaught left the home crowd in awe and provided Australia with a much-needed revival.
5 Wickets for Wood
ENG v AUS Ashes 2023 3rd Test Day 1 Highlights: Nevertheless, England fought back valiantly at a crucial juncture. Woakes managed to induce an inside edge from Marsh, resulting in a straightforward catch at slip, moments before tea. This breakthrough brought an end to a sensational partnership worth 155 runs and offered England a glimmer of hope.
Also, check out the Ashes 3rd Test 1st Day Results
The hosts then capitalized on the momentum, with Wood tearing through the Australian lower order. His fiery spell dismantled the tail, as Wood claimed five wickets in quick succession, restricting Australia to a total of 263.
With the bat, England faced a tricky period before the close of play. Australia’s Pat Cummins made an immediate impact, removing both Ben Duckett and Harry Brook in successive overs, putting pressure on the home side. However, as per the ENG v AUS Ashes 2023 3rd Test Day 1 Highlights, Zak Crawley and Joe Root provided some stability, counterattacking with a flurry of boundaries.
Also Read: ENG vs AUS Ashes 2023 1st Test Highlights
Also Read: ENG vs AUS Women Ashes 2023 Day 4 Highlights
Just when it seemed like England had regained control, Marsh struck again, inducing an edge from Crawley that was caught in the slips. Root and Jonny Bairstow managed to see out the remaining overs, but England still face an uphill task going into day two.
Have a look at the Ashes 3rd Test 1st Day Results
The opening day at Headingley witnessed a gripping battle between England and Australia. Mitchell Marsh’s scintillating century and Mark Wood’s hostile bowling added excitement to the proceedings, swinging the game back and forth. With the match delicately poised, both teams will look to seize the initiative and gain an advantage in what promises to be another thrilling day of Test cricket.
Scores
England
68/3 (Zak Crawley 33; Pat Cummins 2/28)
Australia
263 (Mitchell Marsh 118, Travis Head 39; Mark Wood 5/34, Chris Woakes 3/73)
England trail by 195 runs
For more, check out: ENG v AUS Ashes 2023 3rd Test Day 1 Highlights
Get ICC World Cup 2023 Live Score & ICC World Cup 2023 Team Squads along with ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 at IceCric.News and Follow for Live Updates – Twitter, Facebook & Instagram.