The second day of the third Ashes Test in Leeds followed a familiar pattern from the previous day, as England and Australia engaged in an unpredictable battle. Just when it seemed like the visitors had gained the upper hand, Mark Wood, brimming with energy and determination, delivered a remarkable performance that swung the momentum back in favor of the hosts.
Early on the second day, the departures of Joe Root and Jonny Bairstow, followed by Moeen Ali and Chris Woakes failing to contribute significantly to the scoreboard, left England in a precarious position at 142/7 when Lunch was called.
With tailender Wood next in line to bat, English fans braced themselves for a substantial first-innings deficit, considering Australia’s total of 263. A hush fell over Leeds, indicating the mounting tension. However, the 33-year-old Wood strode to the crease with a sense of purpose, injecting life into what had been a lackluster affair.
Fully aware of the imminent barrage of short-pitched deliveries, Wood wasted no time in taking on left-arm seamer Mitchell Starc, smashing him for a massive six off the first ball after Lunch. Demonstrating his audacity, Wood followed it up with an unorthodox slice that raced to the boundary for four off the very next delivery.
Unfazed, Starc persisted with his strategy, hurling another bouncer at Wood, only to witness the ball sail over deep midwicket for yet another maximum. Pat Cummins was then greeted with a brutal onslaught as Wood’s first delivery from him resulted in another six, propelled by a mammoth top edge after a mighty swing.
A thrilling cameo from Woody 🚀
— England Cricket (@englandcricket) July 7, 2023
2️⃣4️⃣ from just 8️⃣ balls! #EnglandCricket | #Ashes pic.twitter.com/9J4rOCAcrK
However, just two balls later, Wood’s lightning-fast innings came to an end at 24 runs off only eight deliveries, etching his name in the Test record books for the fastest 24 ever scored. The crowd at Headingley erupted in jubilation, while social media platforms buzzed with excitement over Wood’s remarkable display.