In the third Test of the Ashes 2023, England beat Australia by 3 wickets in Headingley, Leeds. After winning the game, England kept their hopes alive for the remaining fixtures as they make the series 2-1 in favour of Australia. It is worth noting that the Ashes is the oldest rivalry in Test cricket and winning the title is a matter of great pride and honour in both countries. Consequently, there is extensive attention from the media and fans, which keeps the series entertaining and feisty.
After winning the game, England fans at Headingley mocked former Australia skipper Steve Smith by wearing a mask of the Australian batter crying. This image of Smith is from 2018 from a press conference, where he broke down after the sandpaper-gate. Smith sobbed in front of the media after the leadership group was caught orchestrating ball-tampering during the third Test of Australia’s tour of South Africa in Cape Town. And this resulted in Cricket Australia (CA) serving them with lengthy bans.
However, this incident has attracted mixed reactions on social media, as some fans and former players find it unnecessary. Meanwhile, some think that it’s part of the game and will only motivate Smith to score runs in upcoming games. Notably, Australia is leading the five-match series 2-1 after winning the first two Tests at Edgbaston and Lord’s.
Mark Wood proved to be the X-factor for England
The third Test was just as exciting as the first two. Australia scored 263 in the first inning, led by Mitchell Marsh’s comeback century. Mark Wood made a comeback as well, playing for England. In response, the hosts were held to 237, with Ben Stokes exhibiting another Headingley special. Head’s 77 in the second inning enabled Australia to set England a goal of 251. Both teams fought hard in the closing innings. While England stayed undefeated at the conclusion of Day 3, they lost key wickets early on Day 4.
However, Harry Brook‘s 75, Woakes’ 32, and Wood’s 16 ensured England’s victory. With his match-winning performance, Mark Wood clinched the Player of the Match award. In his all-round performance, Wood scored a crucial 40 runs in just 16 balls while taking 8 wickets, giving up just 100 runs in the game.
Here is how fans react to the English crowd mocking Steve Smith:
It's just banter lol. That's what the home crowd is for. To motivate the home team and to demotivate the away team. This is nothing, you should see the crowds in the premier
— Bakri Player (@91_of_79) July 9, 2023
Not likeable crowds+ players
— B. /? 2-1 #Aus (@mcg82__) July 9, 2023
??loody 3??nglih ©?rowd..?
— ????????? (@Vinod96s) July 9, 2023
Why are you getting hurt tho
— #RetireKohli #JawanEra (@priyam1_raj) July 9, 2023
I warmly disagree. But this is what makes sports like cricket and Football interesting. This is the crowd which makes the game a real test for the visiting team.
Beer and their words.
Cheers to the game and its class with a beer in the glass, english crowd is fun.— SHANTANU. (@shantanu_dipak) July 9, 2023
yeh to eng aus meh to hota hi hai. Aus ka stadium mein itna hi banter hota hai. Oldest rivalry in cricket (essentially between cousins!).
— JPanimals (@PanimalsJ) July 9, 2023
I think the context is Aus media calling England team crybabies…
— Shaheen Taori (@Mai_bhi_expert) July 9, 2023
I guess cricket was never a gentlemen's game LoL
— Ritz-De-Pantrø (@RiteshMhatr) July 10, 2023
What's so surprising. They r putting their Dad's mask
— vhrr (@vhrr16572668) July 9, 2023
That’s what make things interesting and entertaining
— Sagar V (@SagarV16967175) July 9, 2023
Normal in other sports, even messi and ronaldo got trolled in Qatar.?
— MR TB (@M_Tayyab33) July 9, 2023
This guy was playing his 100th test match, got booed as well. Worst crowd i have seen for a while.
— Cricket Craze (@CricCrazeNep) July 9, 2023
Our crowd is the worst. Inko sirf pungiya bajana aur qamar matkana aata hai.
— Engr.DC (@_Panga_MatLe) July 9, 2023
