BUMBLE AT THE TEST: Mark Wood and Chris Woakes are England’s heroes

England pulled off an enthralling victory over Australia to keep The Ashes alive and pull back the series to 2-1, with two tests to play. 

Mail Sport’s DAVID LLOYD was there to witness the miracle of Headingley as Chris Woakes and Mark Wood became the heroes as they helped England to win by three wickets. 

Bumble shares his thoughts on what both teams are missing and being a Yorkshire convert after another entertaining day in the series. 

 Perfect partners 

What a finish and two selections for this Test who have justified their inclusions. How good were Mark Wood and Chris Woakes? 

That cool partnership at the end when everywhere else, nerves were jangling. And Wood with his customary hook for six to send the place into raptures. Absolute heroes.

Mark Wood celebrates with partner Chris Woakes as England keep The Ashes series alive 

The pair were England’s heroes as England pulled back the series 2-1 with three wicket win 

Three not the magic number 

Number three is the problem position for both teams. The call to elevate Moeen was admirable and fair play to him for taking on the responsibility but it didn’t work. 

It shows the value of a specialist number three who’s comfortable in that position and England have a massive decision to make. 

After seeing Harry Brook play his natural game again at five, I would leave him there. And Marnus Labuschagne has failed to get going too…

Crowd pleaser 

Yet again, the Headingley crowd delivered. It was fabulous seeing them cheer one of their own in Brook. He is a terrific cricketer who will carry on entertaining this crowd in England colours. 

The young man has a fantastic career ahead of him and it’s fair to say that everyone went home ‘well chuffed.’

Bumble believes popular hometown hero Harry Brook has a big cricket career ahead of him 

The crazy home crowd at Headingley more than played their part in the England victory 

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Thumbs up for Yorkshire 

It’s clear that Yorkshire is the best. We’ve got the best puddings, the best holiday destinations, the best airline (Search Yorkshire Airlines on the web), the best terriers and we won more medals than anyone else at London 2012. 

Think nothing else, just think Yorkshire. Even I’ve converted – I live here now!

Well done Woakes  

Chris Woakes. How dependable is he? He’s been on the sidelines for a while, comes into the team and not only does a wonderful job with the ball but then to guide England home with the bat. 

He’s such an asset and the kind of all-round cricketer that is a dream for any captain.

Losing Lyon a big blow  

The absence of Nathan Lyon is proving to be pivotal. Australia just couldn’t stop the runs flowing and Pat Cummins clearly didn’t fancy his off spinner. 

He had no one to close the shop up at the other end. In 50 overs of England’s run chase, they bowled one maiden. Cummins never had control of and with the way it can spin at Old Trafford, England should fancy their chances.

Nathan Lyon’s absence is proving pivotal and they couldn’t stop the runs flowing from England 

All roads to Manchester  

And so we move on to Manchester. Ben Stokes and England have all the momentum. This was a better balanced side and they will have to decide whether they change wicketkeepers. 

Somebody must be on that telephone to Matt Merchant, the Lancashire groundsman, and telling him: ‘Give me that sort of pitch they had at Headingley please Matt!’

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