Brad Hogg, a former Australian spinner, believes Chris Woakes was the driving force behind England’s comeback in the 2023 Ashes. Despite appearing in only three of the five Test matches, the right-handed all-rounder was named England’s player of the series, demonstrating the influence he had.
In addition to taking 19 wickets over the course of the three Test matches, Woakes also contributed some significant runs lower down the order, including a match-winning cameo in the third Test at Headingley, Leeds. He was the bowler that finished off both of the first-inning batsmen on the series’ penultimate day and started the change in momentum.
Hogg observed that Woakes’ series-high number of key wickets.
“I believed Chris Woakes’ participation in the final three Tests was the adjustment that gave England the advantage. The majority of his 19 wickets came from the top six batsmen, demonstrating his dominance with the ball, he claimed on his YouTube account.
With the replacement ball England received late on Day 4, Woakes worked his magic. The Australian openers were initially cruising during the run chase, but the hosts fought back thanks to the new ball’s increased movement and bounce.
Hogg admitted that the shift in the ball had distressed him and continued:
“That ball change in the fifth Test made me a bit angry. At the conclusion of the day, Australia enjoyed a small stroke of luck thanks to Mitchell Marsh, who in Headingley had a change of ball and immediately took a wicket. As a result, you cannot complain in certain situations.
Usman Khawaja disclosed following the series that there was nothing else in the box, therefore the umpires selected the replacement ball. The first batter challenged both on-field umpires questioning the ball alteration on separate occasions, but nothing changed.
Over the course of the series, England played better cricket- Mr. Brad Hogg
England received harsh criticism for their tactics in the first two Test matches, which featured a shocking declaration and a disorganised batting performance. To accomplish a 2-2 series draw, they adhered to their own brand of play while fostering mutual understanding.
According to Brad Hogg, England was the team that played superior cricket throughout the course of the five games:
“I thought Ben Stokes was brilliant with his attacking style; he supports his players, and if you support your players, you will get results,” There is no denying that England was the superior team and that they played better cricket throughout the series as a result.
Hogg went on to say that England had better plans as well:
“I believe the fourth Test was the Test in which Cummins may have slightly lost his bearings due to pressure. Overall, I believe that England’s plans were far superior to Australia’s.
After winning the fourth Test in Manchester, England appeared to be close to regaining the Ashes. Australia, on the other hand, had a 2-0 lead and was close to winning their first Test series in England since 2001.
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