Return of speedster Mark Wood puts England in driver’s seat of Ashes

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This has been by far the most contentious Ashes series in recent memory.

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That’s understandable since England had been the whipping boy of the Test arena until a few months ago, when divine intervention brought together a new skipper and coach.

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We are talking about Ben Stokes and New Zealander Brendon McCullum as coach. The two transformed the way England played Test cricket after having won just one of its previous 17 Tests.

But under the new leadership England posted a high-flying 10 victories and oversaw a cultural revolution. Local fans and even sections of the tabloid press believe England was invincible. How was it possible for Stokes’ team to be down 2-0 in the five-Test series?

Here was a country on a new-found pedestal that refused to believe their super heroes were down 2-0 before pulling off that three-wicket thriller at Headingly on the weekend.

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The visitors have been under relentless pressure on and off the field following that controversial dismissal of Englishman Jonny Bairstow in the second Test. But hats off to Ben Cummins and his Aussies for soaking up this unwanted pressure to remain in front with two Tests to go.

Bairstow ducked a Cameron Green bouncer that was the last ball of the over and then walked forward to talk to batting partner Stokes. Aussie wicket-keeper Alex Carey seized the opportunity to throw the ball at the stumps and effectively run Bairstow out — even though it was classified as a stumping.

Under the rules of the game, Bairstow was OUT. The incident reignited the debate between the adhering to the laws of the game and playing in the right spirit. The incident involving Bairstow isn’t likely to be forgotten in a hurry, but it’s now time for England to step up to the plate and move on. Playing in the right spirit does not take precedence over the laws of the game!

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Let’s face it: England is on a roll having cut down the deficit to 2-1 and has momentum on its side when the series resumes at Old Trafford in Manchester on July 19.

The highlight of England’s lone victory must be placed on the return of fast bowlers Chris Woakes and Mark Wood, the one who shook the visitors with his thunderbolts. Then, of course, we have the heart and soul of England — skipper Stokes. Many may not agree with me, but the only reason England goes to Old Trafford alive and well with a chance of leveling this series is because of Stokes.

Stokes is England’s heartbeat, captain and spiritual leader.

At Headingley, Stokes moved from 27 to 80 and his 155 laid the groundwork for victory. Stokes was in pain throughout the innings but he cheered on Harry Brook’s vital 75 to get over the line.

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England’s medical staff will be pressed into overtime to get Stokes back in action in this enthralling series.

Despite Stokes, it has to be the heroics of fast bowler Mark Wood who has made quite an impact. The speedster claimed seven wickets including five for 34 in the first innings and regularly flirted with speeds of 96 mph. Wood was not only dishing out some short stuff, but he also showed that he can smash a few balls over the boundary.

Meanwhile, Wood’s body has been ravaged by injuries, notably ankle problems, with his body rebelling at the sheer strain of his job. But he was ready to answer the call.

“Ben just asked me, ‘Are you ready? Are you ready to bowl some thunderbolts?’ I said yes and that was it,” Wood told reporters. “He was ready to unleash me. I know him well and he knows me well. Having that relationship with someone makes it easier.”

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Wood, asked if he was ready for a repeat performance in Manchester next week, replied with a grin: ”Absolutely. Lightning strikes twice, eh?”

Meanwhile, England named an unchanged 14-man squad for Old Trafford. That means Bairstow will stay behind the stumps instead of Ben Foakes, who was widely expected to return. Fast bowler James Anderson was rested for the third Test but could be recalled for the match at his home ground.

Australia’s Cummins has insisted all options remained open and he refused to rule out dropping struggling opener David Warner or playing both Green and Mitchell Marsh on the same team for the finale of the series.

Left-handed opener Warner has signalled his intention to retire from Test duty against Pakistan at his Sydney home ground next year.

But the 36-year-old may yet be denied the chance to go out on his own terms after another double failure against longstanding England nemesis Stuart Broad.

Warner managed scores of just four and one at Leeds, falling to Broad on both occasions with the seamer now having dismissed him 17 times in his Test career.

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