On the first day of the third test, Australia was bowled out for 263 runs, thanks in large part to the outstanding bowling performance of Mark Wood and the aggressive century scored by Shaun Marsh.
England won the toss and opted to bowl first in the third Ashes Test, which was a match that was closely watched by fans across the world. with preparation for the decisive match, both teams made three substitutions to their starting eleven with the hope of gaining an advantage over their opponent.
The day began with an important milestone, as Australian batsman Steve Smith became the 15th Australian player to participate in 100 Test matches. Smith is the 15th Australian player to reach this milestone. However, it was England’s Stuart Broad who struck first blood by removing David Warner from the field for the 16th time in Tests during the very first over of the match.
Mark Wood, showing off his incredible speed, delivered the second-fastest stint bowled by an England player since 2006. His lightning bolt eliminated Usman Khawaja, which put Australia in a precarious position early on in the match.
After the first beverage break, Marnus Labuschagne was bowled by Chris Woakes for 21. Woakes had just returned from the last break. Before leaving on 22, Steve Smith attempted to review a caught-behind decision but was ultimately unsuccessful. Travis Head of Australia was given a reprieve as Jonny Bairstow failed to capitalise on a simple opportunity against Chris Wood.
After the first meal of the day, Australia’s score stood at 91/4, with Head and Shaun Marsh at the crease. Marsh was given a second chance shortly after the interval by England’s captain Joe Root, who dropped him on 12 at slip. Marsh was able to make a run for it. Marsh took advantage of the chance and played aggressively to get his fifty off of just 59 deliveries.
While both batters were putting together an important combination, Head played the supporting role of a third batsman. Between the two of them, they contributed fifty runs to the score before Ollie Robinson of England, who was injured, had to leave the pitch.
At the time of the second drinks break, Australia’s score was 147/4, and Head was on 20 while Marsh was on his way to a well-deserved half-century. In spite of the relentless efforts of the English bowlers, the tenacious duo was able to build a sturdy 100-run stand in only 118 balls. In the 46th over, Australia reached the 200-run barrier, passing the mark with ease.
Mitchell Marsh displayed his brilliance by achieving a brilliant century in just 102 balls during his return Test, which took place in Australia. On the other hand, Woakes put him away for 118 in a quickfire round shortly before tea.
At the end of the second session, Australia had scored 240/5, while Head remained on 39 for the entire innings. Root was responsible for a dropped catch by Head, but on the very next delivery, he made up for it by getting Head out of the game. After that, England’s Wood ripped through the rest of the Australian batting order, completing a five-wicket haul by taking two wickets in the same over as part of a period in which he took four wickets. In the end, Australia settled for the score of 263 points.
In response, England’s opener Ben Duckett and debutant David Brook were both dismissed by Australian fast bowler Pat Cummins early in the innings. After that, Mitchell Marsh got rid of Zak Crawley, bringing the score of England’s innings to 68/3 towards the close of the day’s play. At the crease, both the team’s skipper, Joe Root, and Jonny Bairstow remained winless.
The first day of the third Ashes Test featured some thrilling cricket, with Wood’s blistering stint being the one that stood out the most. As the two sides continue to compete against one another for dominance, the match is sure to deliver more exciting action.