After losing the first two Tests of the 2023 Ashes Series at Edgbaston and Lord’s, England found themselves on the cusp of being embarrassed on home soil by visitors Australia. Brendon McCullum’s side needed a victory at Headingley to keep their hopes of regaining the urn for the first time since 2015 alive, and after yet another nerve-jangling Test that could have gone either way, the fine margins finally went in England’s favour.
England needed their big-game players to step up to the mark in West Yorkshire, and while the host’s three-wicket win over Australia in West Yorkshire wasn’t always convincing, the momentum might just have swung back in their favour ahead of the final two Tests at Old Trafford and the Oval as Ben Stokes and company aim to become the first England side to come back from 2-0 down in Ashes history.
The Ashes betting odds are still firmly backing the Aussies to hold on to the urn, but England have done all they can for now and only time will tell if they can turn things around in the final two Tests. If they can, the Headingley Test will prove to be a pivotal moment, so let’s take a look at some of the standout performers from that crucial victory.
Mark Wood
With Jimmy Anderson and Joshua Tongue out of the reckoning after flattering to deceive in the first two Tests, there was finally a place for Mark Wood in the squad at Headingley and he has surely guaranteed his inclusion for the rest of the Series after a stunning performance in West Yorkshire.
Australia couldn’t handle the fast bowler’s rapid balls of 90+mph as he took five wickets for just 34 runs in the first innings. Wood wasn’t as effective in the second innings, with just two wickets for 66 runs, but his batting was equally important — scoring 24 from eight balls in his first time at the crease before firing 16 from eight delivers in the second innings.
Chris Woakes
Another player recalled for the Headingley Test, Chris Woakes has also ensured that Stokes is left with no choice but to include him for the rest of England’s hopeful revival. People were left scratching their heads when the all-rounder was missing from the squad for Lord’s, as he’s something of a specialist at the ‘home of cricket’.
And his performance in Leeds might have left the England decision-makers ruing that choice to leave Woakes on the sidelines in London, as the 34-year-old took three wickets in both innings before scoring a crucial 32 runs from 47 balls to inspire the hosts to victory at Headingley.
Harry Brook
Moved up to third in the batting order for the first innings at his local ground, Stokes and McCullum must have been under the impression that Harry Brook would be motivated with the willow in hand by the backing of his home crowd — but he edged a Pat Cummings delivery and was caught by Steve Smith in slip for just three runs from 11 balls.
That was enough for the 25-year-old to be demoted back to fifth for the second innings, as Moeen Ali surprisingly came out at three and was dismissed for just five. England needed someone to step up as the wickets began to fall in their pursuit of their 250 target, and Brook did just that by slapping an impressive 75 from 93 balls.
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Captain Stokes deserves a mention despite scoring just 13 in the second innings as 80 in the first innings ensured England remained in the Test and the Series, while Stuart Broad kept up his consistent bowling with five wickets at Headingley — including the dismissal of Aussie opener David Warner in both innings.
