A Test that began amid clouds of acrimony ended with players and families from both sides of the Ashes divide on the outfield in blissful sunshine. Gone was all talk of Lord’s, the Long Room and that stumping of Jonny Bairstow a week earlier, the combatants happy to share the space and bask in the afterglow of a thriller.
England were the side to emerge victorious on the day, ensuring Australia’s position of strength had taken a haircut in Leeds and this Ashes series remains alive. Ben Stokes and his players now sit 2-1 down going into the fourth Test at Old Trafford next week, their pursuit of 251 for a three-wicket win in exactly 50 overs – as per Stuart Broad’s morning prediction – the latest entry into Headingley folklore.
