Ashes 2023: Mitchell Marsh century saves Australia on action packed day one at Headingley
A freakish, blistering Mitchell Marsh century, either side of two ugly collapses, saved Australia from a day one disaster in the third Test – before late wickets put the tourists on top.
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Australia is on top after the first day of the third Ashes Test after an extraordinary performance by Mitchell Marsh who single-handedly bludgeoned the tourists into a strong position.
Marsh blasted a run-a-ball 118, putting on a 155-run partnership with Travis Head, to split top-order and lower-order collapses as Australia were rolled for 263.
He then chipped in with a crucial late wicket, adding to Pat Cummins’ two scalps, to reduce England to 3-68 at stumps – still trailing Australia’s total by 195.
“There’s always times when you spend a bit of time away from the game where you think you might not get back,” Marsh told reporters after his day one heroics.
“It’s taken a lot of hard work, I chose to have ankle surgery and miss last summer to get on this tour knowing I was going to be Greeny’s (Cameron Green) understudy. Really proud to get back.”
It was Marsh’s third hundred from his 33 Tests, with all three triple figure scores coming against England.
Recap all the major day one moments below.
MARSH MAKES THEM PAY
Until Australian training on Wednesday, there was no hint Marsh would play this Test, let alone star. But given his chance, the all-rounder blasted a run-a-ball 118 to rescue his side from a precarious spot at 4-85. But he shouldn’t have had nearly that many. Marsh was dropped on 12 at first slip by Joe Root after edging Chris Woakes. It was a regulation chance, and one that proved extremely costly. Marsh then removed Zak Crawley after Pat Cummins drew edges from both Ben Duckett and the newly-promoted Harry Brook.
JONNY TWO BLUES
It was another sloppy wicketkeeper performance from Jonny Bairstow, who put down Steve Smith on four and Travis Head on nine. The Smith chance was a difficult low one but the Head spill was an absolute gimme.
HEAD TALE
With Marsh whacking them at the other end, Head was cast in the unlikely anchor role. It was a job he did well, riding that early luck to make an important 39.
JOE SHOW
It was another bad catching day for Bairstow, and an even worse one for Root. Not only did he drop Marsh, he also put down Alex Carey on four off Woakes. The very next ball Head loosely attempted a slash which flew to the former England captain. This time Root hung on, before slamming the ball into the ground in frustration with his early errors.
SPIRITED AFFAIR
All actions in this game were going to be viewed through a different lens after the drama of Sunday at Lord’s. So when Ben Stokes appeared to be touching the rope while attempting to stop a boundary, it was certainly no surprise that plenty of Australian punters decided to query whether Stokes had acted within the spirit of cricket by not calling it a four.
WOOD FIRE
Portions of the Australian camp had been happy to learn that Mark Wood had not been picked for the first Test. The England paceman is lightning, and he showed it again on Thursday. His opening spell from the Kirkstall Lane was breathtaking, consistently above 140km/h and flying into the low 150s too. He made a mess of Usman Khawaja’s leg stump, castled Mitchell Starc, blew off Pat Cummins’ pad and then sconed Alex Carey, before removing him next ball. Todd Murphy chopped on for 13 to hand Wood figures of 5-34 as Australia collapsed to lose 6-23.
OLLIE FOLLY
Ollie Robinson has never been known for his fitness, and that will again come into question after he left the field during the day with back spasms, not bowling at all after tea.
It was a massive opening day from Headingley. Recap how we saw all the live action in our live coverage below.
STUMPS: MARSH DOMINATES TO GIVE AUSSIES UPPER HAND
Joe Barton
It wasn’t so much Australia’s day as it was Mitch Marsh’s.
The recalled allrounder, given a chance with Cameron Green was sidelined with a hamstring injury, enjoyed a day out at Headingley as he starred with bat and ball.
Coming in with Australia 4-85 after a top-order disaster, Marsh was electric in blasting a run-a-ball 118 which almost single-handedly carried the tourists to a first-innings total of 263.
When Marsh departed, Australia collapsed once again.
And with Mark Wood bowling rockets, England took 6-23 in just 52 balls to wrap up Australia’s first innings – wrestling back control after Marsh had bludgeoned the tourists back into the contest.
Marsh then took a vital late wicket, of Zak Crawley, to back up his captain Pat Cummins to leave England 3-68at stumps, still 195 behind Australia.
With some nasty weather looming in the coming days, both teams may be looking to speed the game up a touch tomorrow with a result in mind.
3.15AM: LESSON LEARNED: BAIRSTOW TROLLS AUSTRALIA
There’ll be no stumpings of Jonny Bairstow today – or at least none of the controversial type that we saw at Lord’s.
Because Jonny Bairstow has learned his lesson as he is theatrically demonstrating at Headingley.
After being controversially stumped by Alex Carey, after absentmindedly wandering out of his crease after a Cameron Green bouncer, in the second Test, Bairstow is now making a point of staying in his crease and staring down the Australian wicketkeeper.
He gets a large cheer from the crowd, and the Australian slips cordon are having a good giggle about it.
A proper troll from the England star.
Its 65-3 and Bairstow trying to run bants about his crease ffs
— Umair (@MrStealYoCake) July 6, 2023
Bairstow trolling Carey ðŸ˜ðŸ˜ this is PEAK ashes
— ibrahim (@lbzMcr) July 6, 2023
3.05AM: WICKET! MARSH DOES IT AGAIN!
Well, well, well. What a day for Mitchell Marsh.
He’s done it with the bat, and now he’s done some damage with the ball – another one on a good length that swings just a touch, and Zak Crawley feebly prods outside of his off stump and edges a chance to David Warner at first slip.
It’s in Warner’s fingertips, but he just clings onto it.
“It’s a nothing shot. It’s not really a defensive shot, it’s not an attacking shot, it’s just an indeterminate push with hard hands,” says Michael Atherton.
That feels like a big wicket late in the day, and it brings Jonny Bairstow to the crease – but will he stay there, or will he go wandering again?
3.00AM: MASSIVE HALF HOUR COMING UP
We’re into the final half an hour of the day, the extra period to make up for slow over rates.
There’s 15 overs remaining, and Australia may go close to knocking those over.
And there’s a lot that could happen. England are 2-62, and have recovered well through Crawley and Root, who have added 40 runs so far.
The final half hour will decide who takes the day one honours. If England don’t lose another wicket, they’ll go to sleep tonight confident they’re on top – but should either Root or Crawley fall, you could argue it’s Australia’s day.
2.40AM: MARSH DELIVERS ON FOUR-YEAR OLD PROMISE
It was four years ago when Mitchell Marsh last played Test cricket, against England at the Oval.
In a match where Australia were defeated, ensuring the series was levelled at 2-2 denying Australia their first series win on England soil since 2001, Marsh was arguably the visitor’s best with a five-wicket haul.
But it was in a revealing post-match press conference where he, perhaps, did his best work – admitting ‘all of Australia hates me’ when asked why he so frequently divided opinion back home.
“Yeah, most of Australia hate me,” Marsh said before breaking into laughter.
“Australians are very passionate, they love their cricket, they want people to do well.
“There’s no doubt I’ve had a lot of opportunity at Test level and I haven’t quite nailed it.
“But hopefully they can respect me for the fact I keep coming back and I love playing for Australia, I love the baggy green cap and I’ll keep trying and hopefully I’ll win them over one day.”
Anyone who stayed up late enough to watch his outrageous hitting and innings-saving century tonight will certainly have been won over.
2.23AM: WICKET! CUMMINS HAS TWO, BROOK DEPARTS
Pat Cummins is leading from the front for Australia, and he’s ripped the heart out of England’s top order with a sensational spell of bowling.
England’s newly promoted No.3, Harry Brook, goes for just 3. He had a tough time of it today, with both Cummins and Mitchell Starc beating the outside edge with regularity this afternoon.
And so it is that Cummins gets one to nibble away from the right hander and a thick edge from Brook sails comfortably in the direction of Steve Smith.
And while England have had some serious issues with their slips catching, Smith has no such concerns and safely pouches that one.
England are 2-22 and this has been a terrific start from Australia’s bowlers.
2.11AM: WICKET! CAREY TAKES A SPECCY
Ben Duckett doesn’t leave many balls, but this is one he might want back.
A loose delivery from Pat Cummins entices Duckett into a wild cut shot – but it’s probably a little too close to be doing that, and he gets a thick edge that goes high and to the left of Alex Carey.
But the Australian keeper takes another screamer, and Duckett goes for just 2. England are 1-18.
Carey, Lord’s controversy aside, is having a superb series with the gloves and his work there, compared with England’s Jonny Bairstow, is one of the key reasons why Australia are leading 2-0 in this series.
In comes Harry Brook, promoted to No.3 to fill the spot vacated by the injured Ollie Pope.
Brook can change a game in a session (or potentially half a session, in this case).
2.05AM: HUGE CHALLENGE FOR AUSTRALIAN BOWLERS
There’s little wiggle room for the Australian quicks. Owing to a dismal lower-order collapse, and an uninspiring performance from the top order, they’ve precious few runs to play with.
The likes of Starc, Cummins and Boland will have to be on the money from the first ball, take their chances and put some pressure back on England.
There’s pace in the wicket and, as Mark Wood showed, this wicket appears to be the most seam-friendly of the series.
It’s a mighty ask for Starc and Cummins to lift themselves up once more, just three days after they bowled themselves to a standstill in winning the second Test at Lord’s.
They would’ve loved an extra night’s rest and recovery, but instead they have 90 minutes to make an impact to swing the opening day in Australia’s favour.
1.45AM: ALL OUT! WOOD HAS 5 AS AUSSIES CRUMBLE
Mark Wood finishes the Australian innings in ruthless fashion, bagging his fifth wicket as Todd Murphy chops on after an entertaining knock of 13.
Australia are all out for 263, and truly have been absolutely battered here by England outside of the scintillating century to Mitchell Marsh and his 155-run partnership alongside Travis Head.
Outside of that, it was slim pickings for the Australians with Steve Smith (22) and Marnus Labuschagne (21) the next best.
Wood was superb and, with figures of 5-34, he’s given England something they’ve been desperately missing through the first two Tests: express pace, and a point of difference.
But the wicket does appear to be taking nicely to the extra pace, something that should excite the likes of Mitchell Starc and Pat Cummins.
There’s plenty of cricket left in the day, and the day one honours remain up for grabs.
1.35AM: WICKET! CAREY OUT AFTER BEING STRUCK BY VICIOUS BOUNCER
A concussion test for Alex Carey, who ducks into a nasty, nasty bouncer from Mark Wood.
Wood has been bowling with terrifying venom today, and that bouncer is no exception – Carey attempts to duck out of the way, but finds himself in an awkward position as he turns his head away from the ball.
The result is a cricket ball to the back of his helmet, a concussion test from the Australian physio and a replacement helmet.
But with that, Head is able to resume his innings. But lasts just one more delivery, out trying to club Wood over backward point, but it’s a mishit and instead he’s caught at extra cover.
Wood has absolutely rattled through the Australian tail, and with Scott Boland joining Todd Murphy in the middle, you suspect this one will be wrapped up quite soon.
1.22AM: WICKET! AUSTRALIA LOSE 4-9 IN STUNNING COLLAPSE
Wow! They don’t get any more plumb than that. And Mark Wood is bowling with serious heat.
Pat Cummins goes for a two-ball duck, and that is absolutely dead to rights as he’s hit underneath the knee roll directly in front of middle stump.
Once again, just too quick for the Australian captain. He’s beaten for pace and his bat is nowhere near the scene of the crime.
In no time at all, Australia have lost 4-9 in 29 deliveries and England have the momentum despite Mitchell Marsh’s brilliant century.
1.21AM: WICKET! WOOD RIPS THROUGH STARC
Too quick, too good!
Mark Wood has been top-drawer today, and that is another jaffa from the rapid quick.
He swings it through the gate and Mitchell Starc goes down swinging, beaten all ends up as Wood takes the top of leg stump.
Australia have lost 3-9 either side of tea and the steam has gone out of their innings in a big way.
In comes Pat Cummins. He’s provided crucial runs throughout the series, and Australia need him to dig deep into his bag of tricks to support Alex Carey once more.
1.20AM: ROBINSON RULED OUT OF DAY ONE
In bad news for the home team, Ollie Robinson won’t be back today.
The speedster, and occasional No.1 villain of the series, has succumbed to back spasms and will remain off the field for the rest of the day’s play.
That leaves England a bowler down, and makes their twin strikes of Mitchell Marsh and Travis Head all the more important as they look to quickly wrap up the Australian innings.
1.10AM: WICKET! HEAD WITH A BRAIN FADE
Deary me, Travis Head will be furious with himself after that dismissal.
One delivery after Joe Root dropped another catch to give Alex Carey a second chance, Head inexplicably guides another offering to Root at first slip.
This one was an absolute dolly, and on this occasion Root makes no mistake. Root pegs the ball into the turf, and turns away shaking his head after sending the dangerous Head packing.
That’s a vital wicket for England, and a costly brain explosion from Head. He departs for 39, and Australia are 6-245.
Australia need their tail to contribute here or England will be well on top by stumps.
1.00AM: HEADINGLEY MOB BOO CAREY’S ARRIVAL
As expected, Alex Carey has been given a cold reception by the Headingley crowd as play is set to resume after the tea break.
As Carey’s picture and statistics are flashed up on the big screen, the crowd snapped into action with some of the most vicious booing of the series.
“Same old Aussies, always cheating,” is the chant of choice to start the third session.
Carey, you might recall, was involved in a minor incident at the Lord’s Test when he stumped Jonny Bairstow.
The chant from the western grandstand evolves into ‘shoes off, if you hate Carey’ – and when the camera pans to crowd there are quite a few lads, with a shoe in one hand and a pint in the other.
The scene in the Western Terrace early in Alex Carey's innings pic.twitter.com/H6sQZkDeJv
— Tim Wigmore (@timwig) July 6, 2023
Let's talk about the #SpiritOfCricket
— BodyAddictive (@Mushin63) July 6, 2023
Let's compare Kohli stopping the game to stop the crown from booing Steve Smith and the England team doing nothing to stop the crowd booing Carey.#Ashes2023
12.40AM: WICKET! MARSH’S BRILLIANT KNOCK ENDS
Disaster for Marsh and Australia, in the final over before tea.
After a truly exceptional innings, Marsh falls from an inside edge onto his thigh off Chris Woakes that balloons to Zak Crawley at second slip.
An unfortunate end to an utterly captivating innings.
Australia was well and truly in the mud when he arrived at the crease, four wickets down and struggling in a big way against a rejuvenated England attack.
Marsh batted without fear and hit England’s bowlers to all parts of the Headingley ground.
He hit 17 fours and four sixes in the stunning run-a-ball 118, adding 155 with Travis Head.
Australia go to the tea break 5-240. They’ve fought back superbly, but still have work to do.
Alex Carey is the next man in, after the tea break. What sort of reception do you think he’ll get? Should be fun.
12.25AM: MARSH BRINGS UP BLISTERING CENTURY
Mitchell Marsh, you absolute star!
The recalled alrounder brings up his century – a 3rd Test hundred, all of which have come against England – with a sneaky single.
There haven’t been too many of them, either. He’s made most of his runs through the 15 fours and three sixes he’s clubbed off England’s shell-shocked bowlers.
This has been simply stunning batting by Marsh and, dare I say it, a bit Ben Stokes-esque.
Just unadulterated power-hitting, but it’s not just brutality because Marsh has played some excellent cricket shots.
He started confidently and has kept the runs flowing at a rapid rate.
From where Australia were, at 4-85, when he arrived this has been an inspired comeback that has turned the Test on its head.
12.10AM: MARSH, HEAD PUNISH SLOPPY ENGLAND
This partnership has officially become a problem for England, as Mitch Marsh spearheads a 100-run partnership with Travis Head.
They’re scoring at a rapid rate, over 5 an over this session, and the 100 partnership comes off just 118 balls.
Marsh has been dynamic and taken the lead in this partnership as far as the runscoring goes. Marsh is into the 70s and looking especially dangerous.
“Danger signs for England here. A bowler off… and signs that Mitchell Marsh really wants to get on with things,” says Michael Atherton.
Joe Root and Jonny Bairstow will be desperate to see the back of these two.
Root dropped Marsh on 12, while Bairstow spilt a chance to end Head’s innings when he was just 9.
Both drops have already proven costly, and both were off absolute sitters.
MIDNIGHT: ROBINSON FORCED OFF MID-OVER
This is a bad sight for England – with paceman Ollie Robinson unable to complete his 12th over, succumbing to injury after just two deliveries.
There’s some suggestion that Robinson has been managing an ankle injury, which he picked up prior to the Ashes, which could be the reason for him abandoning this over.
“He definitely has been down in pace the first two Test matches,” says Michael Atherton.
In worrying signs for England, there was no discussion with his captain – Robinson just went straight off the field, suggesting it’s a not a niggle.
England are a bowler down, now, although they added an extra seamer for this Test, and have Moeen Ali and are yet to use Ben Stokes this innings.
11.50PM: AUSSIE FANS OPEN UP ON ‘HORRENDOUS’ CROWD ABUSE
By Danielle Gusmaroli
Stuart Broad revved up the crowd for his first ball to Mitch Marsh just before lunch.
The crowd was baying for blood.
“I’m loving this, I’m not going to hold back from taunting the Brits, mate, it’s safety in numbers…” said Australian fan Billy Jack, from the Gold Coast.
“Look at those Pommies over there in their striped prison outfits – they think they’re taking the p**s,” he said pointing to an English crowd in prison break onesies in the Western Terrace.
“I’m confident we’re going to win, all the Brits are good at is cheating and whingeing,” said Aaron Morris, from Queensland.
Queenslander Suzanne Dousset was more circumspect.
“I’m here with my daughter Deborah and the Ashes 2023 tour was supposed to be a trip of a lifetime, it’s on our bucket list, and, to be honest, the jeering was bad before the stumping row, the crowds were really rude at Edgbaston,” she said.
“They don’t stop the crescendo, they’re loud. In Australia we stop when the bowler gets to his time. It was horrendous.
“We love banter, I don’t mind them calling us cheats and convicts.
“I’m almost regretting coming, when Deb and I are on our own, they call us names.”
11.40PM: MARSH ROCKETS PAST ASHES GREATS
Mitchell Marsh loves playing against England, evidently. He brings up his half-century with a confident push to the onside for a single, and receives a smattering of applause from the Australian fans in the crowd.
“Marsh currently has a higher Ashes batting average than Ricky Ponting, Michael Vaughan, Adam Gilchrist, David Gower, Mark Waugh, Bill Lawry, Greg Chapell, Geoff Boycott and Jonathan Trott,” says CODE Sport’s Daniel Cherny.
11.30PM: ENGLAND BURN REVIEW ON MARSH CALL
England think they have the breakthrough – with Zak Crawley believing he’s taken a catch at second slip off Mitchell Marsh.
It’s denied by the on-field umpire, but Crawley is able to convince Ben Stokes to chance a DRS on it.
“There was definitely two noises,” Crawley tells his skipper.
And he’s right! There are two noises – the first off the front pad, and the second off the back thigh.
England waste a review, and Marsh continues his aggressive knock.
We’re looking at the two Australian players who would absolutely thrive in England’s Bazball set-up.
Both Marsh and Head bat with brutality rather than precision, and they can quickly turn the game back in Australia’s favour if they can keep their wickets.
They’ve added 51 runs at better than four an over to take Australia to 4-136.
11.15PM: MARSH RIDES HIS LUCK
A big LBW shout from Chris Woakes, on Mitchell Marsh, is turned down by the umpire. It looks a little legside, and that’s enough to stop Ben Stokes from calling for a review.
But it was far closer than it appeared on first viewing, with ball-tracker showing that it would’ve clipped the top of leg stump. It would’ve been umpire’s call, and so England won’t have too many sleepless nights about failing to review that one, but Marsh can count himself a little lucky.
He’s waited four years to get back into the Test arena, and he must’ve banked plenty of credits in that time because he’s using up a lot of lives in this knock already.
11.05PM: BISON GOES BANANAS
Mitchell Marsh is feeling it right now – he’s making the most of the extra life granted to him by Joe Root and hitting the ball with fearsome power.
He’s up to 23, a total almost entirely made through boundaries. He currently has three boundaries and a six, and is bludgeoning the ball.
Marsh is a very different player to the man he’s replaced, Cameron Green, but you would say that batting would be his greatest asset.
And while Green, in first class cricket at least, has shown the capability of putting up big daddy hundreds, he’s found himself bogged down early in innings at Test level.
That’s definitely not a problem for Marsh, who is rolling along at a great rate right now.
10.50PM: DROPPED! MARSH GETS A LIFE
Dear oh dear. England are their own worst enemy at times.
This time it is Mitch Marsh who gets a life as Joe Root drops a sitter at first slip after Chris Woakes gets the edge.
“Another chance goes begging. England’s catching in this series has been woeful,” laments ex-England skipper Nasser Hussain.
That takes England’s tally to 13 dropped catches, and one missed stumping from Jonny Bairstow, in this series.
Could that one be costly for England? Well, if Marsh gets going it certainly will be. He, like Travis Head, knows only one way when it comes to batting: full-throttle attack.
He can and will score quickly if given the chance.
A huge session awaits – with England well on top, and Australia being forced to dig deep.
10.15PM: ‘TURNING NASTY’: ENGLAND FAN’S VILE SLEDGE REVEALED
By Danielle Gusmaroli
At 11.04am, four minutes after start of play, Headingley’s Western Terrace, renowned for the liveliest stands in the country, erupted into choruses of boos.
The British cheered aggressively. A trumpet blasted the Beatles’ “Twist and Shout.”
Aussie batsman David Warner was caught out at second slip by Zak Crawley off the bowling of his long-time nemesis Stuart Broad in the Test’s opening over.
The anticipation had been palpable.
“There’s gentle clapping but underneath it feels nasty,” said self-confessed “cricket nuffy” Leonie Leonard from Avoca Beach, Sydney, NSW.
“Earlier one of the England fans said to me ‘suck my c***,’ I thought, are you kidding me? I’m 55 years old.”
“That’s never happened before and I’ve been going to test matches since I was eight,” she added.
“I’m cheering Australians hard today. Ben Stokes’ innings was brilliant, you have to admit – but I’m not toning down anything, I’m admiring good cricket for good cricket.”
LUNCH: ENGLAND DOMINATE EARLY ON DAY ONE
Lunch on day one at Headingley, and that is a fantastic session for England – perhaps their best of the entire series.
Four wickets before the break, including the big three of Steve Smith, Marnus Labuschagne and Usman Khawaja, has the home side well and truly on top in Leeds.
Mark Wood is bowling express pace and his inclusion has ignited the England attack – he has the wicket of Khawaja, while Stuart Broad has two and Chris Woakes the fourth.
Australia are in a world of hurt and will need a big partnership between Travis Head and Mitchell Marsh, playing his first Test in four years, or this Test could slip away from them before tea on the first day.
9.55PM: WICKET! SMITH DEPARTS IN KILLER BLOW
Steve Smith is out!
Stuart Broad has his man, and England are cockahoop. A faint inside edge as the ball squeezes between bat and pad and there’s no mistake from Bairstow this time.
Smith immediately reviews, and is frankly stunned to see a spike from Ultra-Edge as it passes Smith’s bat. The decision stands, Smith departs for 22 and Australia are in a world of pain at Headingley.
They’re 4-85, and England have justified the decision to bowl first – and then some.
Mitch Marsh joins Travis Head at the crease.
9.50PM: COSTLY BAIRSTOW DROP ROBS ENGLAND
A huge moment just before the lunch break, with Jonny Bairstow spilling a simple chance off Travis Head.
Bairstow has now put down chances to both batsmen, Head and Steve Smith, but the latest one is unforgivable.
Head feathers a chance down the legside off Mark Wood, and it is a regulation catch but Bairstow just fumbles it. A shocker.
“This one he made ground, got both gloves to it, put it down. It should’ve been taken,” says Michael Atherton.
9.45PM: AUSTRALIA’S NERVY WAIT UNTIL LUNCH
A critical 15-minute period coming up for both teams now. England would be delighted with their early work in this session, with three wickets pre-lunch to well and truly claim the early honours.
But another before lunch would be the cherry on top.
For Steve Smith and Travis Head it’s essential their partnership remains intact at lunch – and well beyond, really.
After this partnership, it’s the recalled Mitchell Marsh, then Alex Carey followed by the bowlers.
This partnership needs to be the big one for Australia.
9.30PM: WICKET! ENGLAND ON TOP AS MARNUS FALLS
Edged… and taken!
Marnus Labuschagne’s dismal series continues, and he falls to Chris Woakes. Australia in all sorts of trouble now.
Chris Woakes gets the ball to move away from the right hander and Labuschagne gives a simple chance to Joe Root at first slip.
A regulation nick, and he’s gone for 21. He came into this series as the world’s No.1 batsman, but is yet to register a half-century through his first five knocks.
Big moment, now, with Travis Head joining Steve Smith at the crease.
.30PM: DROPPED! BAIRSTOW GRASSES TOUGH CHANCE
That’s the wicket England desperately want – and Jonny Bairstow has let it slip through his fingers.
Ollie Robinson gets one to jag back a touch, and Smith is squared up as the ball catches the inside edge.
Bairstow is wrong footed, and the ball bursts through his gloves as he makes a desperate dive.
Smith is on 4, and who knows how costly that could end up being today.
9.25PM: SMITH’S CRUEL WELCOME IN MILESTONE MATCH
Steve Smith, in his 100th Test, was welcomed to the crease with loud boos from the England crowd – before being serenaded with the popular ‘we saw you cry on the telly’ chant.
Smith famously likes to ‘get inside his bubble’ when he goes out to bat, so it’s unlikely to have had much of an impact.
9.15PM: HEADINGLEY OFFICIALS ON HIGH ALERT
By Danielle Gusmaroli
Cricket officials were on Thursday “planning for the worst and hoping for the best” as warring Australian and English fans descended on Leeds for the third Ashes Test.
Extra security guards and explosive detection dogs have been drafted in to patrol the 19,700-capacity Headingley stadium, after Sunday’s controversial dismissal of English batsman Jonny Bairstow prompted outcry from English fans.
A tinderbox could be set to ignite, with Britain’s Barmy Army warning they would be “louder and noisier” and Australian supporters donning full country colours, pledging “not to tone anything down”.
Australian captain Pat Cummins was wary of a repeat of the caustic atmosphere at Lord’s but acknowledged there would be “an extra eye on (England fans) … in the crowd to make sure everything is fine”.
9PM: WICKET! WOOD DESTROYS KHAWAJA’S STUMPS
Oh my word! What an absolute rocket from Mark Wood, and it explodes through Usman Khawaja’s defence.
A hint of swing back in towards the left-hander and it demolishes middle and leg stump. That’s a cracking delivery and Mark Wood has ignited this England attack in a big, big way.
Speed kills!
Khawaja goes for 13. Australia in a spot of bother here at 2-42 at the halfway point of the morning session.
8.50PM: RAPID WOOD LIGHTS UP HEADINGLEY
This is entertaining!
Mark Wood has everyone ducking for cover, including Jonny Bairstow.
He’s consistently hitting the 150km/h mark, and above, which has Marnus Labuschagne looking a little bit rattled.
But he’s not alone. Bairstow can’t handle one rapid bouncer which soars high above his head and thuds into the fence off one bounce for four byes.
“We have some express pace. And I think Labuschagne is enjoying the battle. You’ve got to guts it out,” says Nasser Hussain.
It’s certainly a stark contrast at the other end, where Ollie Robinson and Chris Woakes are trundling in with far more sedate 135km/h bowling.
Mark Wood has just bowled a bouncer that's gone over Bairstow for a one-bounce four and broken the advertising hoardings, and it's nowhere near the quickest ball he's bowled today
— Ben Gardner (@Ben_Wisden) July 6, 2023
8.35PM: WOOD BRINGS THE HEAT
Now this is something. Mark Wood, back from injury and playing his first Test of the series, has been introduced into the attack and already it feels as though he is going to play a pivotal role this Test.
He has the pace to unsettle any batsman, and is immediately hitting speeds above 150km/h and Marnus Labuschagne has taken notice.
“Sheesh,” the Australian No.3 says after a thunderbolt rocks him onto the back foot to end Wood’s first over.
It’s a quicker pitch than what we’ve seen in the first two Tests, which should excite Australia’s fast bowlers as well – but before they get to that, the Australian batsmen will have to deal with Wood’s express pace.
Ended up being the fastest over bowled at Headingley since records began: 91, 93, 95, 94, 94, 93. https://t.co/tLvJvhhXUR
— Will Macpherson (@willis_macp) July 6, 2023
8.20PM: STEADY START FOR MARNUS, KHAWAJA
After the chaos of David Warner’s first-over dismissal, Australia have steadied the ship.
Usman Khawaja has been the best batsman of the series to date, and the biggest thorn in England’s side.
A century in the first Test was backed up with more runs at Lord’s and – crucially – big minutes in the middle as he put more miles into the legs of England’s seamers.
It’s been a less impressive series for Labuschagne, who you might suggest is due for a score after a disappointing return in the first two Tests.
He looks crisp this morning, playing the ball nicely off his pads and making the most of a very fast Headingley outfield.
8.05PM: WICKET! BROAD GETS WARNER… AGAIN!
A dream start for England, and a nightmare for David Warner who – again – has fallen to his Ashes nemesis Stuart Broad.
England gets their breakthrough in the first over, with Warner departing for four.
Warner opened the Test with a boundary straight back past the bowler, but Broad waits just three more balls before exacting revenge.
A good length ball brings a thick edge to Zak Crawley at second slip.
That’s the 16th time Warner has been dismissed by Broad in Test cricket. Equal fifth highest combination in Test history
7.50PM: MARSH’S MIGHTY EFFORT
10 minutes until the first ball, and the latest challenge for Usman Khawaja and David Warner.
We’ve got to get through the anthems first, but while we’re waiting for that… let’s have a look at the major talking point of the Australian team.
What do we make of the Mitchell Marsh recall?
Playing his first Test in almost four years, Marsh will take on a crucial role in this Australian team – given the short turnaround between Tests and the workload on Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc especially, Marsh will have to chip in with some overs.
Which is interesting, because as CODE’s Daniel Cherny points out, Marsh hasn’t bowled in a first-class match since December 2021.
7.40PM: CUMMINS BOOED AT THE TOSS
England’s fans have set the tone early ahead of the third Test, with Australian captain Pat Cummins loudly booed at the toss.
Cummins, who confirmed he would’ve preferred to bowl first as Australia were sent in by Ben Stokes, was anticipating a lively atmosphere at Headingley.
Normally a raucous crowd, that will be dialled up to 11 in the wake of the Jonny Bairstow stumping dramas.
“I wouldn’t expect anything less coming up here,” said Cummins.
7.30PM: AUSSIES BAT FIRST, HAMSTRUNG GREEN RULED OUT
For the third Test in a row, Pat Cummins has lost the toss – and Australia have been sent in to bat on a green wicket under overcast skies.
Australia have made three changes, two forced through injury.
Cricket Australia says Cameron Green was ruled out of this match because of a low-grade hamstring strain suffered in the second Test.
Green is expected to be available for the fourth Test at Old Trafford in a fortnight.
Mitch Marsh is his confirmed replacement, almost four years since his last Test. Marsh will bat at No.6.
Josh Hazlewood is being managed after playing back-to-back Tests, replaced as flagged by Scott Boland. Todd Murphy is in for the injured Nathan Lyon.
7.15PM: UGLY WEATHER FORECAST CASTS DOUBT
A word of advice for cricket fans: don’t look at the Leeds weather forecast if you want to stay in a good mood.
In short, it looks grim.
While the opening two days of the third Test should be action-packed – with cloudy skies, but minimal rain – things go south quickly from Saturday.
Thunderstorms and rainfall are predicted throughout the day from early morning, while Sunday afternoon also looks to be rain-heavy, as does the potential final day of the Test on Monday.
Two-day Test, anyone? Might be the best chance of a result!
6.50PM: AUSTRALIA MULL SHOCK CHANGE
It looks like there could be three changes for Australia – with Mitchell Marsh set to play his first Test of the series, in place of Cameron Green.
Green has contributed with bat and ball in the first two Tests, but there are concerns about the workload on the 24-year-old all-rounder.
As expected, Todd Murphy will replace the injured Nathan Lyon while it appears Scott Boland has earned a recall and Josh Hazlewood will be rested.
“Scott Boland and Mitch Marsh both marking their run-ups,” says CODE Sport’s Daniel Cherny.
“Cameron Green not doing a hell of a lot. Looks like Marsh, Boland and Murphy in for Green, Hazlewood and Lyon. “
6.45PM: AUSTRALIA ARRIVE WITHOUT INCIDENT
The Australian team arrived safely and without incident ahead of day one at Headingley.
Security was barely needed, with a small group of onlookers respectfully watching as the team made its way into the ground.
Paceman Josh Hazlewood stopped to sign autographs. – DANIEL CHERNY
6.30PM: AUSSIE FANS DESCEND ON HEADINGLEY
By Danielle Gusmaroli
With less than two hours to go before the first ball, more than one hundred Aussie cricket fans, all swathed in green and gold, piled onto their Australian Sports Tours bus for their ride to the ground on Thursday morning.
Michael Dicker, 43, from Gladstone, Queensland, was nervous.
A few early wickets to boost Australia’s Ashes fortune would settle his nerves, he said.
“I want Australia to win but I’m here more for the banter – I want the Barmy Army to sing, they weren’t allowed to a Lord’s,” he said with head in his hands.
“I’ve got my own song for the Brits, ‘same old Pommies, always whinging,’” he said.
Colin Spencer, 42, from Rockhampton, Queensland, was more confident.
“We’re going to win, there’s no doubt,” he said. “I’m only here for one reason. And I want to go home soon, it’s flipping nippy here.”
Simon Farrell, 54, from Geelong, said he was excited for the game.
“I’m excited, there’s no doubt Australia is going to win, we’re already 2-0 in,” he said.
“With all the controversy, it’s gonna be an exciting day’s play on and off the pitch.
“I’m looking forward to seeing the Barmy Army, they can carry on a bit, but hopefully, once Australia has won, it will all have been in good spirits, and we can all have a beer in the pub afterwards,” he said.
Aaron Morris, from the Gold Coast, joked, “ it’s time we shut those whingeing Poms up.
“We are here to win, let’s get on with it, come in Australia,” he said proudly punching the air in his gold and yellow cap.
5PM: PIERS VS PETE AS AUSSIE JOURNO TAKES ON POMS
By Jordan Pinto
England owes Australia an apology according to veteran journalist Peter Lalor who took on Piers Morgan after the outspoken UK personality issued a challenge to the country.
Morgan took to Twitter after Alex Carey’s dismissal of Jonny Bairstow, and the subsequent Aussie victory at Lord’s, threw the English into a frenzy.
“We can’t get a single Australian cricketer or journalist to come on Piers Uncensored to defend the outrage,” he said.
“Any takers? Or should I assume you’ve all realised it’s beyond defending?”
But The Australian’s chief cricket writer answered Morgan’s challenge – and he didn’t hold back.
Morgan led with the ‘global disgrace’ of Sandpapergate before asking Lalor if he was comfortable captain Pat Cummins didn’t withdraw the appeal after Carey threw down the stumps.
“100 per cent comfortable,” Lalor said.
“Anybody who plays cricket, Piers, knows that the over’s not over, until the umpire calls it over.
“It was out! It was dopey! It was dozy! It was stupid!”
After emphatically rejecting Morgan’s comparison to the infamous underarm incident against New Zealand in 1981, Lalor went on the attack.
“You talk about the spirit of cricket, the spirit of cricket talks about accepting the authority of the umpire,” Lalor said.
“Of creating a positive atmosphere in the way you play.
“I think English cricket owes Australia an apology ... (there was) absolute hooliganism at Lord’s.
“By the members and by the public, and it’s been spurred on by your team, to cover up for the fact that they’re 2-0 down in the Ashes.”
The threat of a hostile English crowd at Headingley is being taken seriously with reports suggesting Australian TV commentators, Mel Jones and Mark Taylor, will be flanked by security guards for the third Test.
The first ball of one of the most-anticipated Tests in Ashes history is set for 8pm (AEST) Thursday, with Australia leading the series 2-0.
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