Cricket: England Win Staggering Two-Day Test In Melbourne
England ended their winless streak in Australia and avoided an Ashes clean sweep in a staggering and absurd two-day Test in Melbourne.
In one of the most bizarre matches ever played, England chased 175 to win on the second evening of the fourth Test, leaving the series at 3-1 before the finale in Sydney.
In devilishly difficult batting conditions, England’s Bazballers revelled in the chaos as they finally found a situation in Australia to suit their freewheeling method.
They reached their target inside 33 overs, England’s four-wicket victory delighting the thousands of travelling fans who finally have something to celebrate on a hitherto miserable tour.
The chance of a first Test victory in Australia since 2011 was created when England dismissed the home side for 132 in their second innings at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG).
Brydon Carse claimed 4-34 and captain Ben Stokes 3-24 to cover for the loss of Gus Atkinson, who is a doubt for the fifth Test after sustaining a hamstring injury.
To add to the silliness, Carse then arrived as a pinch-hitter at number three after Crawley and Ben Duckett struck 51 in 6.5 overs England’s highest opening partnership of the series.
Crawley made 37, Duckett 34 and Jacob Bethell justified his recall with a classy 40.
The winning runs came off the thigh pad of Harry Brook, drawing a deafening roar from the corner of England supporters at the end of a breathtaking day.
