'One of the best feelings I've had, especially with Woakesy' - Mark Wood opens up on winning third Ashes Test at Headingley

After falling short for the first two Tests in the ongoing Ashes series, England bounced back in the third Test at Headingley, registering a three-wicket win to stay alive in the five-game series. During a 251-run chase in the final innings of the third Test, Mark Wood and Chris Woakes helped England to cross the line before Harry Brook scored a crucial 93-ball 75 on Day 4.

After winning the match, speedster Wood expressed his delight as he played a crucial role in the must-win game, calling it one of the best experiences he has ever had. The 33-year-old emphasized on the presence of Chris Woakes being alongside him in the winning moment. He revealed that Woakes always sits next to him as England's seating assignments are done in alphabetical order when they travel abroad. 

"One of the best feelings I've had. I've been in that position a lot where I've lost the game, that's the first time I've been able to bat to win the game. Especially being there with Woakesy. We've car-shared all week, we've got a lucky car [parking] space, we've promised that we'd get runs and wickets. I think we will park in the same place every time we turn up here," Wood was quoted as saying by ESPNCricinfo.

The Headingley Test was both Wood and Woakes' first appearance in the ongoing Ashes. On Day 4 of the third Test, the two best friends reaffirmed their friendship with a crucial partnership of 24 from 14 balls.

Woakes, who had played his last Test on the Caribbean tour in March 2022, made a stellar comeback in the longest format of the game. The 34-year-old scored an unbeaten 32 during the chase after taking six for 141 across the two innings.

Wood, on the other hand, scored unbeaten 16 in the fourth innings of the match. He also made an impressive return to Test cricket as he bowled at speeds of over 95 mph in the first innings. The 33-year-old has picked up a total of seven wickets across the two innings in the Headingley Test.