Blitz Bureau
NEW DELHI: England ended an almost 15-year-long wait with a spirited victory on Australian soil in the fourth Ashes Test, defeating the hosts by four wickets in a frenetic Boxing Day contest at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on December 27. While the Ashes remain out of reach, Ben Stokes’ side produced a statement performance, sealing the match in just 32.2 overs on Day 2.
The Test was wrapped up inside two days on a surface that heavily favoured the fast bowlers, with not a single over delivered by a spinner across the match. England set the tone by opting to bowl first on a lively pitch with a visible grass covering, a decision that paid immediate dividends. Josh Tongue led the charge with a five-wicket haul as Australia were dismissed for 152 in their first innings.
The hosts responded emphatically. England were skittled for 110, handing Australia a 42-run lead, with Michael Neser claiming four wickets and Scott Boland three. By stumps on Day 1, Australia appeared firmly in control, finishing with all 10 wickets intact thanks to a steady stand between Travis Head and nightwatchman Boland.
Australia resumed Day Two with a healthy advantage, but momentum shifted quickly. Head looked dangerous once again, moving fluently to 46 before Brydon Carse shattered his stumps, triggering a collapse. England surged through the remaining wickets, dismissing Australia for 132, with stand-in captain Steve Smith left unbeaten on 24. The visitors, as a result, set themselves a target of 175 runs. England’s response was decisive. Ben Duckett and Zak Crawley launched an ultra-aggressive chase, treating the pursuit like a limited-overs contest. Duckett struck 34 from 26 balls before being undone by a pinpoint yorker from Mitchell Starc, while Crawley contributed a brisk 37.