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Mark Wood cleans up Usman Khawaja, Ashes 2023 (Source: Twitter)
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The third Test of Ashes 2023 is being played at Headingley. Australia, who are 2-0 ahead in the series after two Tests find themselves in a bit of a slumber as they have already lost their two openers, David Warner and Usman Khawaja. While Warner was the first one to go early on in the innings, Khawaja’s dismissal would hurt the visitors more who batted for 37 deliveries, scoring 13 runs before getting out to a peach of a delivery from the returning pacer Mark Wood.
Wood cleaned Khawaja up with a delivery that clocked 94.6 mph in terms of pace. Khawaja had no idea of the delivery as the opener stood rooted to his spot. He did not attempt to play the ball nor could he get the bat in the ball’s pathway. It found the gap between the bat and the pad and went on to hit the leg stump. The stump was uprooted and was sent cartwheeling away as the English players erupted with joy.
Here's the viral video of Mark Wood's unplayable delivery:
MARK WOOD 🔥
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) July 6, 2023
He is on fire in Ashes, Total pace.pic.twitter.com/djccOAKLPP
Australia are 65/3 after 20 overs on Session 1, Day 1 of the Headingley Test
The Aussies will remember the heartbreak of Headingley back in 2019. As of now, they find themselves in a bit of trouble having lost both of their openers and their top-order batter Marnus Labuschagne. However, the visitors know that it is not a reason for immediate worry given how well their middle order has held up in the previous Tests. Moreover, last game’s Man of the Match, Steve Smith is playing in his 100th career game. He’d be looking to leave his mark on this Test and make his 100th Test, a memorable one.
Australia won the first Test on the final day at Edgbaston, thanks to the heroics of skipper Pat Cummins. The second Test was much more regular for the Aussies as the sole fighter, Ben Stokes’s wicket proved to be the final nail in the coffin for England. They won it by 43 runs to make their lead 2-0. They are eyeing to seal the series with a win in Headingley and ensure the urn’s possession for another season.