England Ends Ashes Losing Streak with Boxing Day Test Victory Over Australia

England Triumphs in Boxing Day Test at MCG

Melbourne [Australia], December 27: In a remarkable display at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), England managed to break their 18-match winless streak in Australia, securing a four-wicket victory over the hosts during the Boxing Day Test on the second day of the fourth Test.

This win prevented Australia from achieving a clean sweep in the Ashes series. England, who last claimed the Ashes in Australia during the 2010/11 series, had faced challenges in securing victories Down Under. However, despite losing the Ashes, the English team showcased their pride and determination, highlighted by standout performances from Josh Tongue, who took five wickets, and Brydon Carse, who claimed four wickets in the second innings. Key contributions also came from batters Harry Brook and Jacob Bethell, who scored 41 and 40 runs, respectively, in their innings.

Starting the final session at 77/2, England's Zak Crawley (22*) and Jacob Bethell (9*) were at the crease. Bethell resumed the chase aggressively, hitting Scott Boland for a stunning drive through extra cover on the second ball of the session.

The pair continued to find boundaries, bringing England to the 100-run mark in just 15.5 overs. However, the partnership ended when Crawley was dismissed by Boland for 37 runs off 48 balls, including three fours and a six, leaving England at 112/3.

Bethell kept the momentum going alongside veteran Joe Root, but an ill-timed drive on a delivery outside off-stump led to Bethell's dismissal for 40 runs off 46 balls, with six boundaries. England was then at 137/4.

Brook's powerful shot over mid-off helped England reach 150 runs in 27.2 overs, inching closer to victory. Unfortunately, Root's struggles continued as he managed only 15 runs before being dismissed, leaving England at 158/5.

As England needed just 10 runs to win, Starc dismissed skipper Ben Stokes, who could only score two runs off nine balls, bringing the score to 165/6. However, Brook (18*) and Jamie Smith (3*) successfully completed the chase, finishing at 178/6 in 32.2 overs.

At the end of the session, England was in a strong position at 77/2, needing 98 runs to win.

Australia began the second session at 98/6, with Steve Smith (16*) and Cameron Green (6*). England's Josh Tongue started with a no-ball but quickly found his rhythm, leading to Green's dismissal for 19 runs, leaving Australia at 119/7.

England swiftly dismantled the Australian tail, bowling them out for 132 runs in 34.3 overs, giving England a lead of 174 runs and a target of 175 to chase.

Bowling highlights for England included Brydon Carse (4/34), Ben Stokes (3/24), and Tongue (2/44).

England's innings began positively, with Crawley hitting a boundary off Starc in the first over. The aggressive approach continued as Duckett scored quickly, but Starc struck back, dismissing Duckett for 34 runs.

Carse, playing his first Test in four years, managed only six runs, leaving England at 65/2. However, Crawley and Bethell navigated the rest of the session without further losses.

Australia had a rough start, losing their nightwatchman Boland early. Stokes' arrival led to Jake Weatherald's dismissal, and Australia found themselves at 40/2.

Australia reached 50 runs in 13.3 overs, but Labuschagne's poor form continued as he fell for eight runs. Head's resistance ended with Carse's delivery, leaving Australia at 82/4.

Usman Khawaja was dismissed for a duck, and Carey followed shortly after, leaving Australia struggling at 88/6.

Smith and Green managed to hold on until the end of the session without losing further wickets.

In the match, England won the toss and opted to bowl first. Josh Tongue achieved a historic five-wicket haul for England in a Boxing Day Test at the MCG, as Australia was bowled out for 152 runs. Neser and Khawaja were the top scorers for Australia.

England's first innings saw them bowled out for 110 runs, with Brook and Atkinson being the only notable scorers. In their second innings, Australia struggled again, with only Head and Smith crossing the 20-run mark, leading to their dismissal for 132 runs. England's bowlers Carse and Stokes excelled, setting up an achievable target of 175 runs.

Brief Scores: Australia: 152 and 132 (Travis Head 46, Steve Smith 24*, Brydon Carse 4/34) against England: 110 and 178/6 (Jacob Bethell 40, Zak Crawley 37, Jhye Richardson 2/22).