England Salvages Pride with 4-Wicket Win in Frenetic Two-Day MCG Test
The 4-wicket win underscored England’s resilience and fighting spirit
England produced a spirited comeback to win the fourth Ashes Test by four wickets after bowling out Australia for just 132 in their second innings on Day 2 at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. The victory came after a whirlwind match in which 30 wickets fell in less than five sessions, leaving England to chase a modest yet tricky target of 175.
On a seaming MCG pitch that offered substantial sideways movement to the pacers, Australia resumed play on Saturday at 4 for no loss, holding an overall lead of 42. But their innings quickly unraveled before lunch. Travis Head top-scored with 46, yet his dismissal triggered a rapid collapse. Usman Khawaja (0) and Alex Carey (4) departed in quick succession, reducing Australia to 88-6 by the morning break.
Ben Stokes (3-24) delivered a crucial spell after lunch, removing Cameron Green (19) with a sharp catch at second slip, while Brydon Carse ran through the tail to complete excellent figures of 4-34. Australia’s fragile second innings meant England’s target was within reach, though the chase kept fans on edge before they crossed the line with four wickets in hand.
The result also marked a strong response from England after losing the first three Tests, allowing Australia to retain the Ashes within just 11 days of play. On Friday, England had been bowled out for 110 in their first innings after Australia managed 152, setting the stage for one of the shortest and most dramatic Tests on Australian soil. Josh Tongue’s career-best 5-45 gave England hope, while Michael Neser’s 4-45 for Australia ensured the contest remained tense throughout.
Cricket historians noted that Friday’s extraordinary play marked the first time since December 1951 that 20 wickets had fallen in a single day of Test cricket in Australia — a statistic that reignited debate about pitch preparation. Cricket Australia chief executive Todd Greenberg called the ultra-short Tests “bad for business,” suggesting a possible review of ground conditions in future series. “It’s hard not to get more involved when you see the impact on the sport, particularly commercially,” Greenberg told SEN Radio. “I’m really hoping we get to day three because there will be a lot of money at stake.”
England’s win not only restored pride but also set up an exciting finale to the Ashes, with both sides eager to finish the series on a high.
