Ashes 4th Test: England Poised to End 18-Match Winless Streak in Australia, Chasing 175 (Day 2, Tea)
Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett’s 50-run opening stand puts England in driver’s seat chasing 175 at MCG
Melbourne, Dec 27: England is firmly in control of the 4th Ashes Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, standing on the brink of ending an 18-match winless streak in Australia. After dismissing Australia for 132 in their second innings, the Three Lions are chasing a modest target of 175 runs, finishing the second session on day two at 77/2. Zak Crawley (22*) and Jacob Bethell (9*) remained unbeaten at tea, guiding England through a strong start.
Australia had resumed the day at 98/6, with Steve Smith (16*) and Cameron Green (6*) attempting to rebuild. England’s skipper Ben Stokes removed Green for 19, reducing the hosts to 119/7 in 30.5 overs. Brydon Carse (4/34), Stokes (3/24), and Josh Tongue (2/44) were instrumental in dismantling the Australian tail.
In the run chase, England’s openers set the tone with aggressive intent. Crawley and Duckett put on a 50-run partnership in just 6.5 overs, dominating Mitchell Starc and Michael Neser before Duckett fell for 34. Carse and Jhye Richardson also claimed quick wickets, leaving England at 65/2 in 9.5 overs before Crawley and Bethell steadied the innings.
Earlier, England had elected to bowl first, with Josh Tongue making history as the first English bowler in the 21st century to take a five-wicket haul in a Boxing Day Test at the MCG, finishing with 5/45. His efforts helped bundle Australia out for 152 in the first innings, setting the tone for England’s dominance in the match.
Brief Scores: Australia: 152 & 132 (Travis Head 46, Steve Smith 24*, Brydon Carse 4/34) | England: 110 & 77/2 (Ben Duckett 34, Zak Crawley 22*, Jhye Richardson 1/14)
England now needs 98 more runs with eight wickets in hand to seal a historic victory, which would also mark their first Test win on Australian soil since 2010–11.
