Late on Day 1 of the fourth Ashes Test at Old Trafford, England gained significant control as they picked up quick wickets of the well-set Mitchell Marsh and Cameron Green after Tea. Australia was left struggling at 255/7 on a good batting pitch.
The star of the show was Chris Woakes, who dismissed both Marsh and Green in the same over. However, Woakes owes a lot of credit to Jonny Bairstow, the wicket-keeper, who pulled off a remarkable catch to help Woakes secure his third wicket.
Mitchell Marsh had been looking exceptional during his innings of 51 off 60 deliveries when he faced Woakes in the 63rd over. On the fifth delivery, Woakes delivered a well-pitched ball with a hint of seam movement, straightening it towards the fourth stump line.
Marsh, playing from well inside his crease, was taken by surprise by the slight deviation, resulting in a feeble outside edge as he thrust his bat. Initially, it seemed like Bairstow might have missed the chance as he had shifted his weight towards his left, seemingly out of position to reach the ball on the other side.
But in an astonishing display of athleticism and catching prowess, Bairstow flung himself towards the rapidly traveling ball, nearly falling behind his feet, and managed to clutch it in the cup of his gloves between the thumb and the wicket-keeper, sending the crowd into a frenzy of excitement.
STOP THAT JONNY BAIRSTOW! 🤯 #EnglandCricket | #Ashes pic.twitter.com/aZ7wKcncRW
— England Cricket (@englandcricket) July 19, 2023
Bairstow’s fellow Yorkshireman and England captain, Joe Root, wasted no time in congratulating him for his exceptional catch. The entire team gathered around to celebrate the brilliant piece of fielding. This wicket was particularly crucial for Bairstow, who had faced criticism for some crucial catches dropped in the previous three Tests, leading to calls for a specialist wicket-keeper to replace him. However, his outstanding catch served as a reminder of the skill he possesses behind the stumps when he is in top form.