Ashes 2024: England kept their Ashes 2024 hopes alive with a thrilling three-wicket victory over Australia at Headingley on Sunday, July 9. In pursuit of a target of 251, England successfully reached their goal thanks to an impressive innings of 75 from Harry Brook, along with valuable contributions from Chris Woakes (32*) and Mark Wood (16*).
Harry Brook’s instrumental innings of 75 runs. Despite Mitchell Starc’s excellent performance, taking five wickets, Australia couldn’t capitalize on it as England successfully chased down the target of 251 runs. This win keeps the Ashes series alive, with England now trailing 1-2 in the five-match series. Australia, after gaining a 26-run lead in the first innings, were dismissed for 224 runs in their second innings on Day 3. However, England fought back strongly and emerged victorious in the match.
After securing this victory, England aims to build on its success and ensure triumph in the remaining matches, whereas Australia, despite currently leading, will analyze their shortcomings and strive to maintain their lead.
England’s Captain expressed delight over the Headingley win, the match which was inevitable for the English team. However, the hosts must keep up the effort and win the remaining matches to clinch victory in the Ashes series.
Ben Stokes claims that they have successfully achieved their objective, recognizing that the upcoming task is far more significant than any previous remarks or actions. Despite a thrilling cricket match with the series standing at 2-1, he acknowledged the need to let go of recent events and maintain their approach. As he previously stated at Lord’s last week, they find themselves in an ideal position due to their style of play and will look to replicate the same in upcoming matches.
Moeen Ali Makes An Appearance In Third Test Of The Ashes
Moeen Ali who staged a comeback in test after declaring his retirement in September 2021, has displayed an unwavering resilience and devotion. He made an appearance in the first test however, due to the injury he was unable to play in the second test, despite that he has returned in the third series of Ashes, and scalped two wickets with an average economy of 3.00 though his contribution with bat was below expectations, his bowling was exceptional.Â
In a shocking surprise, Moeen Ali was seen batting at No.3 in the third Test of the Ashes 2024 after Ben Duckett was dismissed by Starc through Lbw. Ben Stokes opened up about this and claims that it was Moeen Ali himself who came to Brendon McCullum and told him that he wants to bat at No.3. Thus, both the coach and skipper felt that Ali would be able to impact the game more coming at No.3 rather than No.7, so they reached a consensus to position him at Number 3 in the batting order.
Although Moeen scored only 5 runs, his intent was exceptional and he earned praise from the captain for taking the initiative. Stokes asserts that he is elated that Ali is willing to put himself in those situations, and is eager to contribute to the team constructively.
Moeen Ali was not the initial plan for Ashes 2024, he came in to surrogate the position of Jack Leach who was ruled out due to an Injury, thus Stokes called for Ali to come out from the Test retirement and facilitate the team in the Ashes series.
The fourth test of the Ashes series will be played at Old Trafford in Manchester from 19th July onwards.
