2RA70B4 England's Ben Duckett celebrates reaching his half century during day four of the second Ashes test match at Lord's, London. Picture date: Saturday July 1, 2023. Woody will not be alloweto play in Australia’s final two games: Ben Duckett. In the third Test, Mark Wood named Player of the Match.
The Ashes 2023 are coming to a thrilling conclusion, with England winning the third Test by three wickets, bringing the series score to 1-2. The fourth Test between the two teams will take place on Wednesday, July 19, at the Emirates Old Trafford in Manchester. England made a dramatic change to their bowling attack, resting veteran James Anderson and replacing him with pace Mark Wood.
The move paid off, as the 33-year-old took seven wickets and contributed 40 key runs to help his team win the game. Prior to the following Test, England opener Ben Duckett stated that Australia will not want Mark Wood to play the remaining matches of the series, while also praising his batting heroics.
“I also know Australia will not want Woody to play these final two games.” It’s strange; how does he bowl that quickly? He’s not a huge guy, so it’s probably simply arm-speed. He’s so skiddy and always at you that I’m glad he’s on my squad. “And it’s not just with the ball. The way he took them on with the bat was gamechanging. ” Duckett cited by the Guardian as saying.
Notably, Wood named Player of the Match in the third game for his overall performance. However, England may have another selection headache ahead of the upcoming Test as seamer Ollie Robinson injured during the third Test and did not bowl a single over in the second innings.
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England is considering another change due to injury worries
If Robinson is unable to restore his health, the club’s management will have to select between youngster Josh Tongue and the famous James Anderson, who also has a section of Old Trafford named after him. England must win the remaining two matches to reclaim the Ashes. Australia will keep it if the series is drawn, as they currently hold the urn.
Australia, on the other side, has not won an Ashes series in England since 2001 and will be hungry to complete a historic series victory at the legendary site.
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