Ashes 2023: Mark Wood’s 92mph thunderbolt traps Steve Smith in front at Old Trafford

Steve Smith wicket. (Pic source: Sony LIV)

The Ashes is placed on a knife-edge at the moment, with Australia leading 2-1. However, England have momentum on their side as they won the third Test by three wickets in Leeds. The fourth Test began on Wednesday, July 19, as Ben Stokes won the toss and invited the visitors to bat first. Usman Khawaja departed early, but David Warner played aggressively for a 38-ball 32 before he was dismissed by Chris Woakes.

Australia’s two most reliable batters, Marnus Labuschagne and Steve Smith, joined forces and stitched a 59-run partnership for the third wicket. The latter, who had a mind-boggling average of over 100 at Old Trafford coming into the game, looked quite fluent during his knock of 41 runs in 52 balls. He hit five fours and one six during his stay in the middle.

It seemed that the former Australian captain would continue his love affair with the ground. However, his innings was cut short by Mark Wood, who went wide of the crease and bowled a quick delivery that came in sharply with the angle. The right-handed batter shuffled across his stumps and failed to get any bat to the delivery. As soon as the ball thudded onto the pads, the English players knew they had their man.

Umpire Nitin Menon, however, was unmoved. Stokes had a discussion with his bowler and wicketkeeper, and he called for a review. All three reds came up on ball tracking, and Smith had to depart. Wood and his teammates were pumped up as they knew how big a wicket that was.

Usman Khawaja becomes Stuart Broad’s 599th Test victim

Stuart Broad has been in sensational form in the ongoing Ashes. He is currently the leading wicket-taker in the competition. The right-arm seamer picked up his 17th wicket in the series when he dismissed Usman Khawaja LBW to give England their first breakthrough in the morning session.

Notably, Khawaja’s dismissal was also the 599th Test wicket for Broad. The 37-year-old has been a prolific bowler for England over the years and is one wicket short of achieving an exceptional milestone of 600 Test wickets.