Harry Brook stars as England keep Ashes alive with three-wicket win over Australia at Headingley

England clinched a three-wicket victory over Australia to win the third Test and keep the Ashes alive following a dramatic day at Headingley. Harry Brook hit an impressive 75 before Chris Woakes and Mark Wood helped England to the required total of 251. Ad There will now be a nine-day break before the fourth Test takes place at Old Trafford with the Ashes hanging in the balance.

CricketEngland end day three at Headlingley needing 224 for third test victory21 HOURS AGO England resumed on 27-0, requiring another 224 runs but lost their first wicket of the day when Ben Duckett was removed by Mitchell Starc’s first ball which was full and straight. He missed his flick through midwicket and his questionable review was unsuccessful. Surprisingly, Moeen Ali emerged to bat at number three.

It was a decision that didn’t pay off as Starc got his second wicket of the morning with Ali attempting a drive but instead got an inside edge and the ball clattering the stumps. England were soon three down as Zak Crawley’s edged a good-length delivery from Mitchell Marsh, making an easy catch for Alex Carey. At this stage the match remained in the balance with England still needing 158 runs to win.

Brook’s well-timed straight drive brought up 100, but just as England looked to put themselves in a nice position, Joe Root was dismissed by Pat Cummings’ leg-side delivery which was caught by Carey. The afternoon took another twist when captain Ben Stokes’ made slight contact down the leg side of Starc’s delivery and again Carey was there to take the catch. Suddenly all of England’s left-handers were back in the hutch.