July 7th 2023.
Moeen Ali marked a special milestone on Friday as he took his 200th Test wicket at Headingley. The day had started with a bit of a wobble for England, as they found themselves 87-5 in their first innings trying to catch Australia's total of 263. Ben Stokes and Moeen Ali tried to steady the ship, but Ali was caught in the deep by Steve Smith for 21, with Chris Woakes following soon after for a loose 10.
Mark Wood then came to the crease and swung 24 off just eight balls, but when he was gone, it was down to Stokes to save the day. The talismanic figure was eventually caught by Smith on the boundary for 80, hitting five sixes along the way and leaving England 26 runs behind.
Unfortunately, Ollie Robinson was still off the field after suffering a back spasm on Thursday, but England still had plenty to cheer about as they saw off the Australian second innings with Stuart Broad taking David Warner for one, and Chris Woakes getting Usman Khawaja for 43.
The Aussies were 90-4 and struggling, but ended the day strongly with Mitch Marsh on 17 and Travis Head on 18. With rain expected over the next three days, all three results are still in play.
Moeen Ali's 200th Test wicket was the icing on the cake for a memorable day in Leeds. Not only did he become only the third English spinner to reach that milestone, but Ben Stokes yet again batted brilliantly and England still have a chance to salvage victory.
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