On Day 4 of the Headingley Test, an England cricketer confesses to losing his composure in the dressing room

While England’s stunning victory against Australia on the third day of the Ashes 2023 third test preserved the five-match series, there were plenty of jitters in the dressing room during the crucial stretch of play.

At Headingley on the fourth day, England fell apart, going from 131/3 to 171/6 in pursuit of 251, when Harry Brook scored a valiant 50 to right the ship.

With four wickets still to fall, England needed only 21 runs more to win thanks to Brook’s 59-run stand with Chris Woakes (32*).

With Brook being Mitchell Starc’s sixth victim, there was a late twist that gave Australia hope.

The emerging star saved the chase with a brilliant 75 off 93, hitting nine fours in the process, but losing his wicket at such a crucial time infuriated him, and he had a “little blow-up” in the changing room.

When you’re sitting up there rather than in the center, it’s a lot more nerve-wracking, Brook told Sky Sports. “Normally, I don’t have a big meltdown when I enter the changing room, but today I did. Although it was frustrating not to bring us across the finish line today, I’m glad we prevailed.

Before Woakes scored the winning run to give England a three-wicket victory and bring the score to 2-1, Mark Wood blasted a four and a six.

“Everyone in the dressing room burst into tears. I had total and absolute confidence in Woakesy and Woody and knew we just needed around 20 runs. We sort of knew it was on when Woody hit that six, after a little period of tension,” Brook said.

On his chats with Woakes and their strategy for the hunt, Brook shed some light.

“Woakesy and I were just trying to work together there, just going down in fives: we got it down to 40 and said, “Let’s try and get it down to 35,” then, “Let’s try and get it down to 30.” It became somewhat more nerve-wracking when I clearly got out, said the 24-year-old.

“[Woakes] has played well for England. He hasn’t played as much recently, of course, but it’s great to have him back and play a crucial role like he did there, the coach said.