Mitchell Marsh and Mark Wood stole the spotlight on an eventful opening day of the third Ashes Test at Headingley. As the battle between England and Australia intensified, Wood and Marsh made remarkable comebacks in Test cricket, leaving a lasting impression. At stumps, England stood at 68/3, trailing by 195 runs after Australia were bowled out for 263 in their first innings.
Marsh, playing his first Test match since 2019, delivered a sensational performance by smashing a run-a-ball 118, his third Test century, to rescue Australia from a shaky start. Wood, making his Test comeback after nearly a year, utilized his searing pace effectively, dismantling Australia's lower order and claiming four wickets in just 14 balls.
Opting to bat first, Australia faced challenging conditions as England's seamers exploited the significant movement off the pitch. Stuart Broad dismissed David Warner, marking the 16th time Warner fell to Broad in Test cricket. Wood, with his rapid pace, sent Usman Khawaja packing while Steve Smith, in his 100th Test appearance, took the crease.
Marnus Labuschagne and Smith encountered difficulties against Chris Woakes and Ollie Robinson, with Labuschagne eventually edging Woakes to Joe Root at first slip. Broad then dismissed Smith, caught behind, after the batsman unsuccessfully reviewed the decision. At lunch, Australia found themselves four wickets down.
In the post-lunch session, Marsh displayed masterful batting, looking comfortable on a challenging wicket. He received a reprieve when Joe Root dropped a catch at first slip off Woakes. Marsh grew in confidence, scoring at a rapid pace, while Travis Head provided solid support.
The duo revived the Australian innings from 85/4 and propelled the score past 200. Head played cautiously, allowing Marsh to dictate the tempo and keep England on their toes. Marsh completed his century off just 102 balls, his third Test hundred against England. However, Woakes dismissed Marsh at the stroke of tea, ending their impressive partnership of 155 runs off 168 balls.
In the second session, Wood continued England's momentum by removing Head, creating a crucial breakthrough. With the well-set batsmen back in the pavilion, Wood unleashed his devastating spell, claiming four wickets in quick succession, including the crucial wickets of Mitchell Starc and skipper Pat Cummins in the same over.
In response, Australia's Cummins dismissed Ben Duckett and Harry Brook early. However, Zak Crawley and Joe Root displayed positive batting to lift England from a precarious position at 22/2. Marsh's exceptional day persisted as he found Crawley's edge, breaking their partnership. At stumps, Root (19 not out) and Jonny Bairstow (1 not out) remained unbeaten, with England aiming to take the lead in the first innings to keep their Ashes hopes alive.
Brief Scores: England 68/3 in 19 overs (Zak Crawley 33, Joe Root 19 not out; Pat Cummins 2/28) trail Australia 263 in 60.4 overs (Mitchell Marsh 118, Travis Head 39; Mark Wood 5/34, Chris Woakes 3/73) by 195 runs.