The fifth day of Eng vs Aus match held at Headingley, Leeds, was exhilarating and commenced with high spirits. Ben Stokes performed spectacularly yet again in the game of Eng vs Aus. The game continued with England at 156 runs for 3 out. Joe Root was quickly out of the game at the bowling expertise of Josh Hazlewood. Jonny Bairstow followed Root. The combined 86 runs achieved by Stokes and Bairstow fuelled the team’s favourable dynamics. However, the odds turned against England after Bairstow got dismissed, as Chris Woakes and Jos Butler also walked off the game soon after.
Jofra Archer took his turn and performed well but got dismissed due to a deep square leg aim. He was followed by Broad when the English team still had to chase 73 runs in order to win the match with a wicket left. Jack Leach, with his previous lead of 92 runs against Ireland, put up a strong fight and it was Stokes who finally readjusted the winning sails for England as the stadium erupted in a deafening celebration. The five crucial highlights that redefined the game tactics in England’s favour are mentioned below:
#1 Throw at the wrong end as Stokes survives
At the 120th over, when 48 runs were needed, the bowler Cummins charged his deliveries as Stokes batted. Stokes scored a double at first and a dot ball next. His timely ramp shot struck the third delivery, ending in the perfect airborne six.
The fourth ball was hit at his leg side. He managed to finish his first run but lost his balance at the non-striker’s side. The ball was thrown towards Leach’s end, which was an opportune moment for Stokes otherwise he would have been out on the spot. It was a narrow escape from defeat; Australia would have won undoubtedly.
#2 Josh Hazlewood concedes 19 runs off an over in Eng Vs Aus
Hazlewood was the next bowler against Stokes. The pace bowler had dismissed Root but found his first three deliveries ending in 1 four and 2 sixes for Stokes.
Stokes was quick to exploit the bowler’s weakness. The first became a length ball aimed straight at the boundary. The next was a full-toss delivery. The third was yet another length delivery that backfired in a six, causing Hazlewood’s over to stretch at 19 when England just required 18 more runs in order to win.
#3 Marcus Harris drops Stokes
The tables of Eng vs Aus turned in England’s favour and Cummins persevered. With the first ball aiming towards the third man’s direction, Stokes strike left the fans unnerved at the edge of their seats. Marcus Harris tried to catch the ball, but didn’t succeed.
#4 Nathan Lyon misses an easy run-out
Lyon bowled next during the 125th over when England was 8 runs away from victory. His third ball resulted in a six, failing his delivery against Stokes.
Stokes had reverse swept the fifth delivery, causing Leach to initiate a run. It was a race against time as the ball landed towards Lyon, with Leach still afar. In the tangible frenzy and anticipation that followed, Lyon missed his grip and could not strike the wickets, allowing Leach to reclaim his place. This is the opportunity missed by Lyon:
#5 Australia fall short of reviews as Stokes survives
Lyon had a shot to salvage his attempt after the clumsy misfortune, with his next delivery hitting Stokes on the pads. The Australian team had previously ignored the DRS, therefore, was given no reviews this time round.
