England’s gun fast bowler Mark Wood was finally included in the team’s playing XI after he regained full fitness. Wood was able to straightway make a ‘Mark’ as he had his ‘Wood’ on the Australian batters. The right arm, who made a return to the side, returned with impressive figures of 5-34 in the first innings of the third Ashes Test at Headingley on Thursday.
Wood breathed down the neck of the Australian batters with his extra pace. The 33-year-old Durham fast bowler knocked off Usman Khawaja’s stumps with an inswinger. Wood also accounted for Alex Carey and then wiped off the tail as he dismissed Mitchell Starc, Todd Murphy, and Pat Cummins.
Ergo, Wood played an instrumental role in skittling out Australia for 263 runs after Ben Stokes won the toss and decided to bowl first.
In fact, Australia was going strongly at 240-4 but they lost their next six wickets for only 23 runs. Out of these six wickets, four were picked up by Mark Wood.
Mark Wood told Sky Sports: “I haven’t played a Test match in a while, but to be able to come back thoroughly fresh and produce that was pretty special. I was really happy that I could show that on home conditions, I can bowl as well.”
He continued: “Amazing! Great feeling to get five wickets, first time in front of my Mom and Dad. So, that was a lovely moment to see them in the stand. The team is in a good position.”
On the other hand, Australian all-rounder Mitchell Marsh played a fantastic knock of 118 runs off 118 balls with the help of 17 fours and four sixes. Wood showered praise on Marsh for his superb knock in the first innings.
“Tricky because somewhere around Australia where we felt a couple of wickets away all of a sudden, but I thought Mitchell Marsh played fantastically well.
“He is difficult to bowl at that period. When the ball went from zip off the wicket, all of a sudden, it looked very different when he was in. We thought it hasn’t got that sort of zip.”
Wood added England batters can score quickly as the outfield is quick and they can match Australia’s score of 263 if they get settled at the crease.
“Once a new batter comes in, it’s tough again. So, if the lads can get in, it’s a par score. The outfield is rapid, rock hard. I think we can score quickly if the lads can get in.”
England finished the opening day’s play on 68-3 and trail by 195 runs.
