Brydon Carse’s performance on Day 2 proved to be instrumental as England beat Australia by 4 wickets in the fourth Ashes Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). This is England’s first-ever victory in the Boxing Day Test. Australia now lead the series 3-1. While England were bowled out for 110 in the first innings after dismissing the hosts for 152, Australia resumed from 4/0 on Day 2, 46 runs ahead.
However, it was Brydon Carse’s performance which pulled the match back in England’s favour. Carse bagged 4 wickets for 34 runs in his 11 overs on Day 2, dismissing Travis Head, Alex Carey, Michael Neser and Mitchell Starc. Australia were bowled out for 132 in the second innings, setting Three Lions a target of 175 runs.
Half-century opening stand in the 4th innings
England’s opening stand in the final innings of the Test match was also crucial. In a low-scoring affair which finished within 2 days, England openers put on a 51-run stand chasing a total which had not been posted in the first 3 innings of the match. Zak Crawley made 37 off 48, Ben Duckett scored 34 off 26, taking the attack to the opposition.
In the middle order, it was Jacob Bethell who put his hand up, scoring 40 off 46 taking England closer to home. In the end, the visitors got home with 5 wickets in hand, winning their first Test on the tour.
20 wickets fell on the first day
As many as 20 wickets fell on the first day. Josh Tongue scalped 5 wickets in the first innings for England while Gus Atkinson picked 2 wickets for 28 runs. Carse and Ben Stokes picked up a wicket in the first innings while Michael Neser ended up as Australia’s top-scorer 35.
It looked like England were in an advantageous position before Neser took the ball in hand, finishing with figures of 4 wickets for 45 runs in his 10 overs. Scott Boland and Starc picking 3 and 2 wickets respectively.
In the second innings, Mitchell Starc, Jhye Richardson and Scott Boland picked up 2 wickets each. However, it was not enough to snatch a win from England,
