Coming to bat on 130/2, Australia started off solidly and didn’t give many chances to England’s bowlers. However, as the play progressed, the visitors first lost well-set Usman Khawaja on a score of 77 and then went on to lose the first inning’s centurion Steve Smith (34) in the very next over.
The third wicket to have fallen of Australia that shifted the momentum completely towards England was of Travis Head. The Aussie batter was caught by Joe Root in a brilliant fielding effort. The catch by the former England skipper also made him surpass Alastair Cook and become the highest outfield catcher for England in Tests.
It all happened in the third ball of the 68th over when Stuart Broad delivered a short ball to Head at chest height, and the latter jumped to defend it in an uncomfortable manner. The red leather then veered towards the left after the contact with the bat, and Root was quick to dive and pluck a one-handed stunner at short leg. The sensational effort by Root garnered high praise from his teammates, who greeted him with wide smiles and acknowledged his commitment.
Here’s the video:
Stop that Joe Root!#EnglandCricket | #Ashes pic.twitter.com/IYHnLq5q69
— England Cricket (@englandcricket) July 1, 2023
The quick fall of three wickets before the lunch pushed Australia on the back foot, and they really struggled to get over that as they eventually were bundled out for 274. Broad finished as the most successful bowler for England in the innings, bagging three scalps, which included the priced dismissal of Khawaja.
England now requires 370 runs to win the second Ashes 2023 Test.
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