MELBOURNE – In a match that defied modern Test cricket conventions, England secured a historic four-wicket victory over Australia at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), ending a 5,468-day drought without a Test win on Australian soil. The contest, which concluded late on the second day, will be remembered as much for its frenetic pace as for the controversy surrounding a “green-top” pitch that left batters with nowhere to hide.
The Carnage: 20 Wickets in a Day
The tone was set on Day 1 when a staggering 20 wickets fell before a record-breaking Boxing Day crowd of 94,199. It was the first time since 1902 that an Ashes Test saw such a high volume of dismissals on the opening day.
England’s Josh Tongue was the architect of the early Australian collapse, claiming a career-best 5/45. Australia were bundled out for just 152 before tea, but England’s response was equally fragile. Despite a defiant 41 from Harry Brook, the tourists were skittled for 110 in less than 30 overs, handing Australia a slim 42-run first-innings lead.
The Turning Point
On Day 2, the “shootout” continued. Australia’s second innings mirrored their first as they struggled against a relentless England attack led by Brydon Carse (4/34) and captain Ben Stokes (3/23). Travis Head provided the only significant resistance with a counter-punching 46, but a late-order collapse saw the hosts lose their final four wickets for just 13 runs, finishing all out for 132.
The Chase: Bazball Under Pressure
Chasing 175 for victory, England opted for aggression. Openers Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett sprinted to 45 runs in the first six overs to deflate the Australian attack. While the middle order wobbledlosing Joe Root and Ben Stokes in quick succession youngster Jacob Bethell (40) and the ever-reliable Harry Brook (18)* guided England home in just 32.2 overs.
Innings Score Top Performers
| Innings | Score | Top Performers |
|---|---|---|
| Australia 1st | 152 | M. Neser (35); J. Tongue (5/45) |
| England 1st | 110 | H. Brook (41); M. Neser (4/45) |
| Australia 2nd | 132 | T. Head (46); B. Carse (4/34) |
| England 2nd | 178/6 | J. Bethell (40); J. Richardson (2/45) |
A “Shocker”: Pitch Under Fire
Despite the entertainment, the MCG surface drew heavy fire from legends of the game. Former England captain Alastair Cook labeled it an “unfair contest,” while Michael Vaughan described the deck as a “shocker.” Even Australian great Glenn McGrath admitted there was too much grass left on the wicket, noting that the excessive lateral movement made life nearly impossible for top-order specialists.
What’s Next?
While Australia has already retained the Ashes after winning the first three Tests, England’s victory in Melbourne restores pride and keeps their hopes of a strong finish alive as the series moves to the SCG on January 4th.
