England Ends 18-Match Winless Streak in Australia with Victory at MCG
England managed to break an 18-match winless streak in Australia by securing a four-wicket victory over the home side in the fourth Ashes test at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground on Saturday.
The series had seen Australia dominate the first three tests, leading to them retaining the Ashes in a mere 11 days of on-field action at Perth, Brisbane, and Adelaide. However, England turned the tables by clinching a win at the MCG test, reminiscent of Australia’s swift victory at Perth.
This triumph marks England’s first win in Australia since the 2010-11 Ashes series, where they won 3-1. The winless streak dated back to the 2013-14 Ashes series, which Australia had won 5-0. Over the course of nearly 15 years, England had lost 16 matches and drawn two in their 18 tests Down Under.
Needing 175 runs in the second innings to secure victory, England achieved the target with six wickets in hand, sparking celebrations among their dedicated fans, including the renowned “Barmy Army.”
The match saw England off to a strong start in their second innings, with aggressive batting leading them to 70-2 in the first 10 overs. Despite losing key players like Ben Duckett and Brydon Carse, contributions from Zak Crawley and Jacob Bethell set the stage for a successful chase.
Key dismissals of Joe Root and captain Ben Stokes added some tension, but Jamie Smith and Harry Brook steadied the ship, guiding England to a morale-boosting victory ahead of the fifth test in Sydney.
Bowlers Shine as England Secures Victory
In a remarkable display of bowling prowess, England bowled out Australia for 132 in their second innings, setting up a manageable target for the chase. The pitch at the MCG offered favorable conditions for pace bowlers, leading to a flurry of wickets.
Ben Stokes played a pivotal role with the ball, claiming three wickets for 24 runs, while Brydon Carse’s four-wicket haul further dented Australia’s hopes. With 30 wickets falling in just 4 1/2 sessions, England’s successful chase highlighted their determination and skill.
Earlier in the match, Australia had taken a 46-run lead after dismissing England for 110 on a dramatic first day. The standout performances from Josh Tongue and Michael Neser added to the excitement of the contest.
CA Chief Calls for Pitch Preparation Review
Following the swift conclusion of the test match, Cricket Australia chief executive Todd Greenberg expressed concerns about the impact of short tests on the sport’s commercial aspects. Greenberg hinted at potential changes in the pitch preparation process to ensure a more balanced and engaging contest.
With a record attendance of 92,045 at the MCG, the test match showcased the enduring popularity of the Ashes series in Australia, setting the stage for an exciting finale in Sydney.
Overall, England’s remarkable turnaround at the MCG test not only ended their winless streak but also revitalized the series, setting the stage for a thrilling conclusion in Sydney.
Source: Associated Press
