AUS vs ENG: 'They Play Hard But With A Smile'- Justin Langer Hails Chris Woakes And Mark Wood

Former Australia opener and head coach Justin Langer has lavished praise on England stars Chris Woakes and Mark Wood after their starring display in the third Ashes Test at Headingley.

With the series on the line after the losses in the first two Tests, England made three changes to their playing eleven for the third Test. They recalled Wood, Woakes as well as Moeen Ali. And while Moeen could not make a big impact in the game, Wood and Woakes turned out to be England’s star men. They played a key role in England’s thrilling three-wicket win over Australia.

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Wood terrorized Australia with his pace and picked up 5 for 34 in the first innings. It was his maiden five-wicket haul on the English soil. The spell helped England wrap up Australia’s tail quickly as they bowled out the visitors for 263. Woakes, on the other hand, picked up three wickets.

With the bat, Wood smashed 24 runs off just 8 balls with the help of three sixes and a four. In the second innings, Woakes picked up three wickets while Wood claimed two before the duo scored 32* and 16* respectively to take England home.

Virat Kohli | Rohit Sharma | Rishabh Pant | KL Rahul | Suryakumar Yadav | Sanju Samson | Shreyas Iyer | Yuzvendra Chahal | Jasprit Bumrah

Justin Langer praises Woakes and Wood:

Wood and Woakes have been receiving praise from all over for their performance and have now been hailed by Justin Langer too. Writing in his column for The Telegraph, the Australian great heaped praise on the duo and hailed their commitment for the team.

“Before the game I predicted he and Chris Woakes would ‘add great value to England, whose team looks very well balanced, for this Test.’ They both look like players you would love in your team. They play hard, but with a smile on their face, and they look like they would do anything for their team,” wrote Justin Langer.

Writing further, the former cricketer talked about Wood’s pace. Justin Langer explained that Wood’s pace helped his teammates and also opined that the speedster deserved the Player of the Match award.

“He was rewarded with wickets in the first innings and while he only took two in the second innings, his lion-hearted pressure benefited his partners bowling at the other end. He was a worthy man of the match. Where has he been the first two Tests?” wrote Justin Langer.

The series is currently 2-1 in Australia’s favor. The fourth Test of Ashes 2023 will be played at Old Trafford in Manchester from July 19 to 23.

Virat Kohli | Rohit Sharma | Rishabh Pant | KL Rahul | Suryakumar Yadav | Sanju Samson | Shreyas Iyer | Yuzvendra Chahal | Jasprit Bumrah