In a historic and frenetic encounter at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), England secured their first Test victory on Australian soil in nearly 15 years, defeating the hosts by four wickets in just two days. The win ends an 18-match winless streak in Australia and provides a much-needed boost for the "Bazball" era following a difficult tour.
The match will be remembered as one of the most bizarre in Ashes history, with 30 wickets falling in just over four and a half sessions. After being dismissed for a meager 110 in their first innings, England's bowlers—led by Brydon Carse (4-34) and Ben Stokes (3-24)—skittled Australia for 132 in the second innings. This left England a target of 175 to win on the second evening.
Embracing their aggressive style, England's openers Zak Crawley (37) and Ben Duckett (34) set the tone with a rapid 51-run stand in under seven overs. Despite a minor middle-order stumble and the innovative yet brief promotion of Carse to number three as a pinch-hitter, Jacob Bethell (40) and Harry Brook (18)* steered the tourists to safety. The victory was sealed when the winning runs deflected off Brook’s pad, sparking jubilant celebrations among the "Barmy Army."
The MCG pitch, featuring a lush 10mm of grass, has come under heavy fire from experts, with Kevin Pietersen labeling it a "disrespect" to Test cricket and Michael Vaughan calling the match a "lottery." Despite the criticism of the playing conditions, the result offers significant relief to captain Ben Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum. However, England faces a fresh setback ahead of the fifth Test in Sydney, with fast bowler Gus Atkinson a major doubt after sustaining a hamstring injury during the second day’s play.
Comment
