For some, England were dead and buried at lunch on the second day of the Headingley Test. Yet, after the break there was a dramatic change in England’s fortunes.
Thanks to Ben and Mark Wood (24) the seeds of England’s Third Test victory were sown in a brutal and devasting display of batting.
All was doom and gloom at lunch. England were 142-7, 121 runs behind Australia with Ben on 27*.
Returning to the middle after lunch, England made their intent clear. Wood smashed the first three balls for 6, 4 and 6 again. While Wood departed after making 24 off 8 balls, Ben continued with the onslaught.
Going on to hit 80 runs (6 fours, 5 sixes) off 108 balls, Ben, not for the first-time, gave the Headingley crowd an innings to remember.
England’s finished on 237, just 26 runs behind. Second time around, Australia made 224, setting England 251 for victory.
At the close of day three England were 27-0. The fourth day was a tense affair, yet England got over the winning line with a 3 wicket victory.
Australia now lead the series 2-1.
(Photo by Dan Mullan Getty Images for ECB)
