England pace bowler Chris Woakes said that one session of play on Day 3 of the Headingley Test was important for the hosts to get the upper hand in the Ashes encounter. Woakes shared that the hosts knew Australia had everything to lose, batting for a couple of hours under overcast conditions, and shared satisfaction that England could grab the big opportunity as well.

Woakes admitted on Sky Sports: “They were perfect conditions for us [on Day 3]. There are two things there – it’s a great opportunity to go there and bowl in great conditions, but also there is pressure to put the ball in the right areas and make the most of those conditions. In Ashes cricket, you really have to take those little windows that you get.”

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He further added: “We were thinking throughout the day that if we get out there for even half an hour, we can put the Aussies under pressure. It was raining all day and it’s never nice to go out there and bat for a short period of time. To get that opportunity and to do what we did, it was a huge moment in this match.”

Chris Woakes, playing in his first Test since March 2022, picked up three wickets in both innings, making a huge impact with his ability to move the ball as well. While England were about to win at Headingley, there was a lot going on on Day 4. Mitchell Starc picked up five wickets to keep Australia’s hopes alive.

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Reliving the tense final moments, Chris Woakes said: “When you get so close, you feel like you are almost over the line and then we felt miles away from it again. Woody came in and played two fantastic shots. His nerves were going. He played beautifully, left a few and the couple that he got, just perfect. Amazing feeling.”