Ashes 2023

Watch: Harry Brook avoids mix-up with Jonny Bairstow, takes brilliant catch to dismiss Mitchell Starc

by Wisden Staff July 8, 2023 - 5:59pm 2 minute read

Watch: Harry Brook narrowly avoided a miscommunication with Jonny Bairstow to take a fabulous catch, running from short-leg and dismissing Mitchell Starc.

England rattled through Australia’s middle and lower order after the rain relented on day three of the Headingley Ashes Test. Chris Woakes struck twice shortly after play got underway, getting rid of Mitchell Marsh and Alex Carey to leave Australia 139-6, with a lead of less than 200.

Just as in the first innings, Mark Wood was brought on to blast through Australia’s tail and he did not disappoint. His first ball was clocked above 90 mph and he climbed up to 93 in his second over. The extra pace brought runs, however, and Starc was able to capitalise with a boundary, pushing Australia closer to a 200-run lead.

But in his third over, Wood had his man. He bowled a short delivery going across the left-hander which Starc took his eyes off and hit high into the air. The ball flew behind square on the leg side, and looked to be Bairstow’s catch. However, Brook had also taken off running towards the ball with his eyes fixed on it under his helmet. There was a momentary hesitation from both Bairstow and Brook as they looked unsure which one of them should go for the ball.

Brook committed as Bairstow slowed up, and dived forward with his arms outstretched, taking the ball safely before he hit the ground. He threw the ball up into the air immediately with a look of relief on his face, as Bairstow threw an arm around his shoulders.

That wicket meant Australia were 168-7 and had lost three wickets for 38 runs. Less than two overs later, Pat Cummins made that four wickets and another for Wood as he nicked behind.