ASHES DAY FOUR, THIRD TEST – SESSION-BY-SESSION: Chris Woakes and Mark Wood hold their nerve

England kept the Ashes alive after a thrilling victory over Australia by three wickets at Headingley.

Beginning the day on 27-0 and still requiring 224 runs to reduce their deficit in the series to 2-1, the contest ebbed-and-flowed yet again as every time the hosts looked comfortable, the Aussies fought back.

When Ben Stokes and Jonny Bairstow were cheaply dismissed after lunch, England still required 80 to win with just four wickets left, but a superb 75 from Harry Brook and 32 not out by Chris Woakes steadied the ship.

The drama continued however when Brook was out with 21 runs still required, but player of the match Mark Wood bludgeoned 16 from eight balls before Woakes hit the winning runs at a jubilant Headingley.

Below, Mail Sport’s LAWRENCE BOOTH runs through the day session by session. 

MORNING SESSION shared (1/2 a point each)  

Every time England wondered if they might be entering clear blue water as they chased 251, Australia scuppered them. 

Mitchell Starc struck twice, including the promoted Moeen Ali, and Zak Crawley undid the good work – not for the first time – with an ambitious drive at Mitchell Marsh. 

Pat Cummins kept Australia in it with the late wicket of Joe Root. At 153 for four, both teams had everything to play for.

Every time England looked comfortable on the morning of Day Four, they were pegged back 

Mitchell Starc dismissed Moeen Ali for just five after the England man was promoted to three

AFTERNOON SESSION: ENGLAND (1 point) 

When Mitchell Starc bowled Jonny Bairstow off the inside edge for five, England were 171 for six – and Australia looked good to retain the Ashes at the earliest possible opportunity. 

But Harry Brook made a superb 75, before Chris Woakes and Mark Wood held their nerve in thrilling fashion to secure a three-wicket win and keep the series alive heading to Manchester.

Harry Brook scored an excellent 75 but fell with 21 still needed at his home ground

Chris Woakes and Mark Wood got the hosts over the line to reduce Australia’s series lead to 2-1

VERDICT after day 4: ENGLAND’S DAY 

ENGLAND (5½ pts) Australia (3½ PTS) 

Play of the day: Wood applies the varnish 

What was the moment England finally thought they couldn’t lose? Probably when Mark Wood played one of his no-look hooks for six off Pat Cummins to reduce the equation to 12 needed. 

It was the fourth time in the Test he had cleared the ropes – and it earned the biggest roar of them all.

Wood smashed 16 off eight balls including one huge six off Pat Cummins towards the end 

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