England managed to keep Ashes 2023 alive with a three-wicket win over Pat Cummins' Australia at Headingley, Leeds on July 9 (Sunday). The Three Lions chased down the target of 251 in the second session of Day 4 despite Mitchell Starc’s fiery fifer. Harry Brook scored 75 and was well-supported by Chris Woakes who stayed till the end to ensure there is no anti-climax. It was an important victory for England as the Baggy Greens had won the opening two Test matches of the series.
The two teams will now cross swords in Manchester in the fourth Ashes Test and, one can expect one key change in Australia's playing XI for that game.
Star opening batter David Warner continued to stay true to being Stuart Broad's 'bunny' as the English pacer dismissed him in both innings of the Test match. Warner was underfire entering the Ashes series as runs had dried up from his willow in Test cricket. After Australia won the first two Ashes Tests, the pressure eased on Warner as he also played a couple of good knocks.
After Headingley Test, the sword seems to be once again hanging on Warner's neck. There has been a major outcry from former Aussie cricketers and fans to drop Warner from the playing XI.
When asked about whether Warner will be axed from Manchester Test playing XI, Cummins didn't give a straightforward answer but hinted that deep thought would be given to the team selection with every player fit and ready.
"We'll keep all our options open. We've got nine or 10 days now, so we'll take a deep breath," Cummins said after the match, as quoted by Fox Sports.
"We'll go away for a few days but everyone comes back into it. Greeny should be fit for Manchester, we should have a full roster. So we'll have a look at the wicket, have a chat and work out the best XI," said Cummins.
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