England win a Test in Australia after 15 years
36 wickets fell in two days in the Ashes Test, England won after a hard fight
Melbourne: At the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), England finally defeated Australia in the fourth Test of the series (the Boxing Day Test) after a tough battle and intense struggle. Australia still lead the series 3–1.
This is the first time in 15 years (after 18 Tests) that England have won a Test match in Australia. Since 2010, the British team had lost 16 Tests in Australia and drawn two.
All 36 wickets taken by pace bowlers
A total of 36 wickets fell in the entire Test, and all were taken by pace bowlers. No spin was bowled in the entire match. The Test was completed in just two days.
Australia were eager to win this Test as well and take a 4–0 lead, but Ben Stokes’ team managed to hand Australia their first defeat of the series.
Josh Tongue named Man of the Match
England fast bowler Josh Tongue, who took a total of seven wickets in the match, was awarded the Man of the Match.
The Barmy Army rules
At the MCG, the Barmy Army—made up of thousands of spectators—applauded loudly and cheered England with thunderous claps and chants. The British fans of the Barmy Army filled the entire stadium with noise, celebrating as if they had won the series or a tournament final. Even today, more than 90,000 spectators were present at the MCG.
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England lost six wickets
England needed just 175 runs to win on the second day and achieved the target with a four-wicket margin. However, while chasing it, England lost six wickets, scoring 178 runs. Harry Brook was at the crease when a ball from Jhye Richardson went to the boundary as leg byes, sealing England’s victory. Jacob Bethell top-scored for the team with 40 runs. Australia’s Starc, Richardson, and Scott Boland took two wickets each.
Carse and Stokes turned the game around
After Australia were bowled out for just 132 runs in the second innings, Ben Stokes’ team got a modest target of 175 runs. Brydon Carse (four wickets) and Ben Stokes (three wickets) played the biggest roles in dismissing Australia for 132.
Low scores in the first innings
In the first innings, Australia scored 152 runs, after which the British team was bowled out for 110 runs.