Former England captain Nasser Hussain has said that the third Ashes 2023 Test was a brilliant game of cricket. He also lauded the duo of Chris Woakes and Mark Wood, who fend off fierce attack from Pat Cummins and co to take England to a 3-wicket win as the series stands 1-2 in Australia’s favor.
Speaking after the third Test, Hussain said it was a brilliant match, adding that Australia would be trying to work out where they lost the game. England chased down a 251-run target on Day 4 at Headingley with three wickets in hand.
“The third Test at Headingley was a brilliant game of cricket, and Australia will probably feel what England have felt in the past two games where they played a lot of good cricket and will try to work out where they lost it,” said Hussain on Sky Sports.
He further said that both Chris Woakes and Mark Wood got their approach right when they came out to bat on Day 4. They helped England cross the finish line after Harry Brook got out for 75. and Woakes remained unbeaten on 32, while Wood chipped in with an 8-ball 16*.
“In that situation, Wood fending it off and trying to survive is not going to score as many runs as Wood taking them on. It's the same with Chris Woakes; I thought he got it spot on with the tempo when he went in on day four. Hanging around was not going to do it, he had to put the pressure back on the opposition and he did it perfectly,” Hussain added.
Mark Wood was named the Player of the Match for his fifer and contributions with the bat. He got special praise from the former England captain, who said the pacer is loved by the Headingley crowd and his teammates because of his heart.
“His stats aren't why his team-mates or why the Headingley crowd love Mark Wood, they love him because of his heart. You know when a cricketer is giving it everything. He'll get injured, he'll pick himself up and he'll go again, and that's all you can ask from a team-mate or an international cricketer,” said Hussain.
The fourth Test will begin on July 19 and will be played in Manchester.
