The Ashes 2023 is still alive : England beat Australia in 3rd Test.

England beat Australia in another thrilling match and kept the Ashes alive. Harry Brook's brilliant innings of 75-runs helped England to chase down 251 runs against Australia in the 3rd Test. For Australia, Mitchell Starc bowled brilliantly and took five wickets. All-rounder Mitchell Marsh played an outstanding innings, hitting a superb century and also took a couple of precious wickets. But their efforts went in vain as Australia lost the game. The Ben Stokes led side now trails 1-2 in the five-match series. After gaining a lead of 26 runs in the first innings, Australia bowled out for 224 runs in their second innings on Day 3 before England put up a good fight to win the battle. 

Mark Wood and Chris Woakes have been terrific in the game and they have been the players who were at the end of it to finish this game off. Woakes delivered typical understated consistency with the ball. His six-wicket match included some notable pelts. But Wood was perhaps the greatest difference after the defeats at Edgbaston and Lord’s, his scorching speeds-including a high of 96.5mph. Australia’s batting order struggled against the speed of Wood. English fast-bowler Mark Wood won the Player of the Match for his crucial contributions in all departments. Chris Woakes though a bit of an unsung hero in the game and played a big role as he gave Brook ample support when captain Ben Stokes got out. Brook and Woakes had shared a match-changing 59-run partnership for the seventh wicket. Woakes got the winning runs and kept the hopes alive for England. 

Australia had their chances in the game however, they could not get over the line in the finest moments. The absence of Nathan Lyon and Hazelwood was eventually felt at the end by the visitors. However, it was an excellent game of cricket either way. Skipper Pat Cummins might go back and think about it again. Aussies definitely will try to find out what went wrong in this match and will look to bounce back in the 4th Test to win this series comfortably on English soil.

England's win in the third Ashes Test now has injected new life into the series. All three matches have been close and now it is time for the two sides to take a bit of a breather as there is quite a gap between the 3rd and 4th Test. A win for Australia in the 4th match will see them clinch their first away Ashes series win since 2001, while a draw will see them keep the Ashes. England must  win the next match to level the series and have a chance of reclaiming the Ashes.

Cover Credit - ICC