WEB DESK: England secured a much-awaited victory over Australia in the fourth Ashes Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, triumphing by four wickets to clinch their first Test win on Australian soil in 15 years. The visitors successfully chased down a target of 175 late on day two to narrow Australia’s lead in the five-match series to 3-1.
Australia struggled in their second innings, being dismissed for just 132 before tea on day two, setting England the attainable target. Starting the session at 98 for six, the hosts crumbled further, losing their last four wickets for a mere 34 runs on a sun-drenched afternoon.
England faced a setback when fast bowler Gus Atkinson limped off with a left hamstring strain, a bitter blow to their ambitions in the series. Atkinson had earlier made notable contributions, dismissing nightwatchman Scott Boland for six in the morning’s sixth over.
England’s bowlers showcased exceptional teamwork to dismantle Australia’s batting lineup. Brydon Carse and Josh Tongue, the latter already impressive with figures of 5-45 in the first innings, claimed two wickets each during a decisive spell that saw Australia lose four wickets for just 27 runs.
Carse delivered a crucial breakthrough by bowling opener Travis Head for 46 before catching Alex Carey in the slips for four. Tongue, meanwhile, captured Marnus Labuschagne for eight with a sharp slip catch and removed Usman Khawaja for a duck via a mistimed pull shot to fine leg.
Despite England’s resurgence, Australia leads the series comfortably at 3-1, having won the first three Tests in Perth, Brisbane, and Adelaide.
