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Australia vs England, 4th Test Commentary, Live Updates

AUS vs ENG, 2025 - Test Live Commentary

Australia vs England Scorecard
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Match Ended   
Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), Melbourne , Dec 26, 2025
Australia Australia
152&132
England England
110&178/6 (32.2)
England beat Australia by 4 wickets
  • Player of the Match
    Josh Tongue
A two-day finish for the second time in the series, but this time, it was England who ended up on the winning side, and they will be pleased to have pulled one back. We have witnessed 13 days of cricket across the four Tests, and let’s hope we are treated to a grandstand finish in the New Year’s Test in Sydney. The fifth and final Test will take place at the Sydney Cricket Ground from Sunday, 4 January, with the first ball scheduled to be bowled at 11.30 pm GMT (the previous day). There is plenty of cricket to look forward to in the meantime, with franchise leagues taking centre stage across the globe. Greetings from us for the New Year. Take care, and cheers!
The captain of England, Ben Stokes says that it’s been a tough tour until now, so to get on the right side of the result feels pretty special. Shares that winning after such a long time in Australia means a lot, especially to the Barmy Army and everyone back home. Tells that there was plenty thrown at the team before the game, but the way the players responded deserves huge credit, as does the staff. Adds that he is incredibly proud as the captain. Opines that it was a very tricky wicket, but the positive approach was exactly the right way to go about it. Praises Josh Tongue for the way he backed up his Adelaide performance and says that he gave his all once again. Mentions that Jacob Bethell's knock was crucial and building partnerships was key to them getting over the line.
The captain of Australia, Steve Smith, reflects on the defeat. Calls it a tricky one, expressing his disappointment at losing the game. He feels that 50 or 60 more runs would have made things more interesting. Tells that England bowled really well this morning and were aggressive with the bat as well. Details that they softened up the ball a bit. Adds that the wicket played as expected, but once the ball softened, it didn't quite behave as the way they had hoped. On being asked about his opinion on the pitch, Smith admits that it was a tricky one and probably did a bit too much as 36 wickets in two days is a lot. Also adds that maybe taking a bit of grass off would have made it even. Ends by accepting that's how it was and they just needed to adapt.
Josh Tongue is the PLAYER OF THE MATCH for picking 7 wickets in the game, including a five-wicket haul in the first innings. Shares that this is what dreams are made of, waking up on Boxing Day knowing you’re going to play at the MCG. Admits that there were a few nerves, but it’s a special feeling to get on the honours board. Tells that the Barmy Army have been unbelievable over the past four games, and it’s an amazing feeling to have done it for them. Mentions that a few years ago he was in a tough place with his body and even thought about retiring, so to be here now is incredibly special. States that all the bowlers were exceptional, and to win here at the MCG is something he can’t put into words.
Time for the presentation ceremony...
It is now time to hear from the young Jacob Bethell, who contributed with a composed 40 off 46 in the run chase. He says it was lovely to come in to bat and make an impact. Adds that it feels quicker when the ball is nipping around. Shares that they identified that it was doing a lot. Admits that he didn't show the conviction to hit the bowlers off their lengths in the first innings but he tried to improve on that in the second innings. Highlights that when you are chasing such totals, it is important to be proactive with the bat and get the job done. Shares that it's been special to have his parents supporting him in the crowd. About batting with Root, he mentions that it's always a surreal feeling to share the crease with someone like him. Also shares that he bumped into him a few times on the circuit and that their dads have actually played together. On being asked about how he takes this experience forward, Bethell talks about learning from the moments that went well and taking the confidence forward by also understanding what worked under pressure. Is hopeful that it is something on which he can build the rest of his career.
England's Joe Root is up for a quick chat with Isa Guha. He begins by saying that it means a lot to him, and adds that they showed good character in this game. Feels disappointed to lose the Ashes, but expresses that this win was an important one for them. Mentions that there has been a lot thrown at this team. Adds that it was a fast-forward Test match with the surface presented to them. But appreciates his teammates for adapting to it as much as they could and exploiting the opportunities they got. Tells that they showed a bit of bravery this time with the way they approached things with the bat. Shares that he has been on the wrong side of the result a lot of times here, so he knew what was expected. Also says that the Australians are always good in their conditions. Appreciates Bethell for the way he showed his smarts and skills with the bat. On batting in the final innings, he shares that he was confident by that point and feels a bit disappointed to get out toward the backend. Accepts that it wasn't to be, but says that to win the game was the most important thing for them. Feels really pleased and proud of all the lads, as quite a few of them are on their first tour Down Under. Says to experience a win here will boost their confidence. Ends by stressing on improving more for the final Test in Sydney.
Did the pitch really ease during the afternoon session, or did the initial assault that pushed the quicks off their lengths simply make it appear that way? Either way, there was still enough in the surface to keep the pacers interested, but Australia needed wickets in clusters to mount a serious challenge, and that never materialised. Neither Crawley nor Bethell could finish the job themselves, and England carried the weight of history after failing to close out a chase earlier in the year at The Oval against India. However, Joe Root and Harry Brook calmed any nerves with a handy little stand, and though Root could not be there till the end, Brook saw the job through to seal the victory.
With 175 to get on a track that had quickened up on Day 2 and one where you were never really set as a batter, Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett made their intentions clear straight away and took the attack to the Australian quicks. They succeeded in pushing the pacers off their usual lengths and shrugged off any early nerves. Duckett fell after setting the tone, but his innings forced Steve Smith to spread the field, with Australia not having many runs to play with. While the move to promote Brydon Carse at number three did not come off, Crawley and Jacob Bethell then came together, toned down the aggression, and chipped away at the target against in-and-out fields.
England were wasteful with the new ball early on Day 2, but Ben Stokes and Josh Tongue showed the way, and just as in the first innings, Australia were loose with some of their shot selection. When Gus Atkinson left the field with a left hamstring issue, the visiting side was left a bowler short, and questions arose about how they would cope. That was when Brydon Carse, who had been inconsistent for much of the game, stepped up for the tourists and finished with a four-wicket haul. Travis Head scored 46, which ended up being the highest individual score of the match, and although Steve Smith hung around, he was left stranded at the other end as Australia could manage only a 174-run lead.
Soon after, England found themselves on the receiving end with the ball darting around off the seam. Harry Brook attempted to put the pressure back on the Australians and enjoyed some success, but not for long enough. A late cameo from Gus Atkinson provided some resistance, yet England could only muster 110. Mitchell Starc did the early damage before Michael Neser and Scott Boland took over. Their combined efforts helped the home side secure a handy 42-run lead. Australia then had one over to negotiate late on the opening day, with Scott Boland sent in as nightwatchman, and he did the job of seeing it through safely.
The Test has unfolded at breakneck speed, so let’s go back to where it all started. On a surface with 10 millimetres of grass, the pacers from both sides made the most of the conditions as 20 wickets tumbled on the opening day. Asked to bat first, Australia had a steady start, but their troubles began once Josh Tongue was introduced into the attack. There was no partnership of real substance apart from a stand between Cameron Green and Michael Neser after they had slipped to 91/6. Once England broke that resistance, they swiftly mopped up the tail to dismiss the hosts for 152, with Tongue finishing with a five-wicket haul.
England finally have a win to rejoice on what has been a tough Ashes tour. Winless in 18 Tests coming into Melbourne, they have broken that drought. Ben Stokes and his men walk over to acknowledge the Barmy Army, who have been with them through thick and thin. Australia will be bitterly disappointed with their batting across both innings, particularly the second, where they failed to build on a handy lead their bowlers had provided.
End Of The Over 32.2 : 178/6
4 Runs
  • 032.1
  • 4 LB 32.2
H. Brook
18 (22)
J. Smith
3 (2)
J. Richardson
5.2-1-22-2
32.2
lb
Jhye Richardson To Harry Brook
FOUR LEG BYES! And that's it. A long time coming for England as they register their first Test win Down Under after January 2011. Aimed at the pads, on a fractionally fuller length. Harry Brook tries to whip that away through the square leg region, but misses. The ball deflects off the pads and races behind to the deep fine leg fence. ENGLAND BEAT AUSTRALIA IN THE BOXING DAY TEST BY 4 WICKETS!
32.1
0
Jhye Richardson To Harry Brook
A full toss, slower one on middle, Brook flicks it to mid-wicket.
End Of The Over 32 : 174/6
9 Runs
  • 031.1
  • W 31.2
  • 331.3
  • 431.4
  • 031.5
  • 2 NB 31.6
  • 031.6
J. Smith
3 (2)
H. Brook
18 (20)
M. Starc
10-0-55-2
31.6
0
Mitchell Starc To Jamie Smith
Starc bangs in a short one, angling on the leg stump. Jamie Smith ducks underneath it.
31.6
nb
Mitchell Starc To Harry Brook
SCORES ARE LEVEL! A full toss around off, Brook smashes it to Green at cover-point. A slight fumble there allows them to pinch in a single. Oh, Starc has overstepped. No Ball called.
31.5
0
Mitchell Starc To Harry Brook
Adventurous! Back of a length, in and around the middle stump line, Harry Brook shuffles a long way across the line and tries to pull it over short fine leg, but misses to get his bat on the ball.
31.4
4
Mitchell Starc To Harry Brook
FOUR! England are just one hit away from a win. Pitched full and on the leg stump, shaping in a touch. Harry Brook flicks it a bit uppishly but between mid on and mid-wicket for a boundary. The Barmy Army is up and about as their side needs 3 more.
31.3
3
Mitchell Starc To Jamie Smith
Nicely timed! On middle and leg, on a good length. Jamie Smith prods forward and flicks this through the mid-wicket and square leg gap and they rush back for the third by the time it is hunted in the outfield. England need 7 now.
Jamie Smith walks out to bat with England needing 10 more runs to win.
31.2
W
Mitchell Starc To Ben Stokes OUT!
OUT! CAUGHT BEHIND! Would you believe it? A nothing shot from the English skipper, really. Lands it around off, on a fullish length, and then gets it to nip away late. Ben Stokes is nowhere near the pitch of the ball, but swings away from his body, only to get an outside edge behind. The ball flies over the keeper, where Alex Carey leaps and takes a fine catch over his left shoulder. Ben Stokes perishes on 2 (9) and England are 165/6.
31.1
0
Mitchell Starc To Ben Stokes
Fuller ball, on leg, Ben Stokes tries to flick it off the pads, but gets a thick leading edge on the bounce back to Starc.
End Of The Over 31 : 165/5
4 Runs
  • 030.1
  • 030.2
  • 030.3
  • 430.4
  • 030.5
  • 030.6
H. Brook
13 (17)
B. Stokes
2 (7)
J. Richardson
5-1-22-2
30.6
0
Jhye Richardson To Harry Brook
Short and going down leg, Brook tries the hook shot, but does not connect.
30.5
0
Jhye Richardson To Harry Brook
Winds it up! He is seemingly not nudging ten singles to get it done. Brook shimmies down the track to smash the full ball downtown, but misses. The ball passes very close to the outside edge before carrying back to Alex Carey. Oh, hang on! Steve Smith has reviewed this for caught behind. Snicko shows a flat line. The on-field decision stays.
30.4
4
Jhye Richardson To Harry Brook
FOUR! Into the gap! Richardson digs one short and on the bodyline. Harry Brook gets into a really nice position on the back foot and pulls it away to deep backward square leg for a boundary. England need 10 runs to win now.
30.3
0
Jhye Richardson To Harry Brook
Another full ball, slower one at 109.4 kph, outside off, Brook drags it across but mistimes it along the ground to mid on.
30.2
0
Jhye Richardson To Harry Brook
Brook advances on this full delivery, and heaves it off the inner half of the bat, but Scott Boland slides to his left and cuts it off from mid on.
30.1
0
Jhye Richardson To Harry Brook
Tails in on middle and leg, on a fractionally fuller length. Harry Brook solidly blocks it right under the bat.
End Of The Over 30 : 161/5
3 Runs
  • 129.1
  • 029.2
  • 029.3
  • 029.4
  • 229.5
  • 029.6
B. Stokes
2 (7)
H. Brook
9 (11)
M. Starc
9-0-46-1
29.6
0
Mitchell Starc To Ben Stokes
Pitched fuller and around off, Stokes smashes it down the ground, and beats Starc's attempt to stop on his follow-through, but cannot get past the mid off fielder.
29.5
2
Mitchell Starc To Ben Stokes
The length is dragged back, on the pads, Ben Stokes steers it through square leg for a couple of quick runs.
29.4
0
Mitchell Starc To Ben Stokes
Aims the stumps, with a little bit of reverse on a fuller length. Ben Stokes squeezes it out by jamming his bat down in time.
29.3
0
Mitchell Starc To Ben Stokes
Pushed down leg, full in length. Stokes misses to flick. Carey does extremely well behind the stumps with a full-length dive to his right.
29.2
0
Mitchell Starc To Ben Stokes
Over the stumps. A length ball, on off, Ben Stokes steps out of the crease and eases it back to the bowler.
29.1
1
Mitchell Starc To Harry Brook
Mitchell Starc is back on with one last effort. Bowls from a wider angle from around the wickets. Short and angling into the batter, Harry hangs back and tucks it wide of mid-wicket for a single.
End Of The Over 29 : 158/5
4 Runs
  • 1 NB 28.1
  • 028.1
  • 1 NB 28.2
  • 228.2
  • 028.3
  • W 28.4
  • 028.5
  • 028.6
B. Stokes
0 (2)
H. Brook
8 (10)
J. Richardson
4-1-18-2
28.6
0
Jhye Richardson To Ben Stokes
A pinpoint yorker, in front of the stumps, Ben Stokes jams his bat down in time and shovels it out to the bowler. A rhythmic over from Richardson.
28.5
0
Jhye Richardson To Ben Stokes
Speared fuller, on the leg stump line, watchfully pushed away to mid on by Stokes.
The English skipper, Ben Stokes is in.
28.4
W
Jhye Richardson To Joe Root OUT!
OUT! LBW! Richardson gets his second wicket off a peach of a delivery. Tails back into the batter, on a good length, Joe Root plays all over it to defend and wears it on the front pad. Jhye Richardson and the Aussies behind the batter confidently appeal for LBW, and the umpire, Kumar Dharmasena, instantly raises his finger. And almost immediately, Joe Root sends it for a review. No bat involved and the Ball Tracking comes up with the umpire's call as the ball clips the leg stump. Joe Root cannot get his side through as he departs on 15 (38). England are 158/5, requiring another 17 runs.
28.3
0
Jhye Richardson To Joe Root
An attempted yorker, on middle and leg, Root clips it to short mid-wicket.
28.2
2
Jhye Richardson To Joe Root
Serves it up, full and on middle, Joe Root gets on the front foot and cracks the straight drive with a stable head. The ball, however, slows in the outfield and mid on chases it down. Two taken.
28.2
nb
Jhye Richardson To Joe Root
A bit of reverse on this one from a length, curving into the pads, Joe Root tries to nudge it around the corner, but misses and wears high on the thigh pad. Oh dear! Another No Ball for overstepping. England need 19 more runs.
28.1
0
Jhye Richardson To Joe Root
Lands it full and outside off, Joe Root leans on the front foot and drives it straight to extra cover.
28.1
nb
Jhye Richardson To Joe Root
At 130.1 kph, this is bashed on a length, outside off. Joe Root cuts it off the back foot to backward point. Richardson has overstepped and No Ball is signalled by the on-field umpire.
End Of The Over 28 : 154/4
8 Runs
  • 227.1
  • 427.2
  • 127.3
  • 027.4
  • 127.5
  • 027.6
H. Brook
8 (10)
J. Root
13 (32)
M. Neser
8-1-54-0
27.6
0
Michael Neser To Harry Brook
Angling on the leg stump, Harry flicks this full ball to mid on.
27.5
1
Michael Neser To Joe Root
Length ball, outside off, slashed off the back foot to the right of backward point. Jake Weatherald dives to his right and makes a half stop, allowing the batters to rush for a single.
27.4
0
Michael Neser To Joe Root
Back of a length, fairly outside off, skidding through. Joe lines up for a square cut, but gets rushed into the shot and misses. Quick glovework by Carey who is up to the wickets. He flashes off the bails but Root is glued in the crease.
27.3
1
Michael Neser To Harry Brook
Short of a length, outside off, Brook plays it late off the back foot and guides it with the pace to deep third for a single. England need 22 more.
27.2
4
Michael Neser To Harry Brook
FOUR! That's punished with authority! A friendly half volley from Neser, around off. Harry Brook accepts the invitation and smokes it over mid off for a cracking boundary. 150 UP FOR ENGLAND!
27.1
2
Michael Neser To Harry Brook
Just outside off, on a good length, Brook stands deep in the crease and guides it between gully and backward point for a couple of runs.
End Of The Over 27 : 146/4
5 Runs
  • 026.1
  • 4 B 26.2
  • 126.3
  • 026.4
  • 026.5
  • 026.6
J. Root
12 (30)
H. Brook
1 (6)
S. Boland
9-0-29-2
26.6
0
Scott Boland To Joe Root
Length-delivery, on off, Joe Root lets the ball arrive and calmly taps it out to point.
26.5
0
Scott Boland To Joe Root
Angles in and around off, on a fuller length. Root drives it straight, and Boland stops it with his left hand on the follow-through.
26.4
0
Scott Boland To Joe Root
Just outside off, a fraction short, Joe Root waits back and steers it to the cover-point region.
26.3
1
Scott Boland To Harry Brook
On a good length, on middle and leg, Harry gets across and clips it off the inner half into the leg side for a quick single.
26.2
b
Scott Boland To Harry Brook
FOUR BYES! That will help England a lot. Straight down leg, on a length, kicking up a bit from the pitch. Harry Brook shuffles across and tries to lap it behind, but the ball beats his bat and with Carey standing up to the wickets, he has very little reaction time to pluck the ball to his left. It races behind to the deep fine leg fence.
26.1
0
Scott Boland To Harry Brook
JUST SHORT! Too full from Neser, around off, Brook smashes it flatly on the bounce to mid off where Inglis makes a diving stop to his right.
DRINKS BREAK. We are down to the final hour of play, and England are in touching distance of their first Test win in 14 years on Australian soil. Jacob Bethell played a fluent knock, but couldn't finish off for his side. The young lad will be pleased to have some runs behind his name, at least. It's now on England's two best batters to get the job done without any hiccups. As far as Australia are concerned, they will fight till the last drop of blood. A wicket or two here will again make things a bit interesting.
End Of The Over 26 : 141/4
4 Runs
  • 025.1
  • 025.2
  • 4 B 25.3
  • 025.4
  • 025.5
  • 025.6
J. Root
12 (27)
H. Brook
0 (3)
M. Neser
7-1-46-0
25.6
0
Michael Neser To Joe Root
Over off, on a hard length, Joe rises with the bounce and dabs it to point.
25.5
0
Michael Neser To Joe Root
Seaming back in, on a good length, on middle. Root is solid in defence.
25.4
0
Michael Neser To Joe Root
Fuller and attacking the stumps, kept out with a straight bat by Joe.
25.3
b
Michael Neser To Joe Root
FOUR BYES! Pushed down leg by Neser with the keeper up to the stumps. Root fails to lay any bat on the tickle. Alex Carey gets both gloves to his left to make the stop, but the ball clips him on the fingertips and goes behind into the fence.
25.2
0
Michael Neser To Joe Root
Curving back in, on a good length, on off and middle. Root brings his bat out in front to defend.
25.1
0
Michael Neser To Joe Root
On top of off, on a good length, stabbed down on the off side.
End Of The Over 25 : 137/4
1 Runs
  • 024.1
  • 124.2
  • W 24.3
  • 024.4
  • 024.5
  • 024.6
H. Brook
0 (3)
J. Root
12 (21)
S. Boland
8-0-28-2
24.6
0
Scott Boland To Harry Brook
Pitched up, outside off, Harry steps out of his crease and pushes out in front. Gets it off the outer half to cover.
24.5
0
Scott Boland To Harry Brook
On a good length, on off, Brook stays on the back foot this time to keep it out. The ball nips back and Harry wears it high on the back pad.
24.4
0
Scott Boland To Harry Brook
Goes past the bat! Full and in the channel, Brook walks down the track and across his stumps to cover the line. Gets beaten on the outside edge as the ball leaves him.
Out goes Bethell and in walks Harry Brook at number 6. He stepped out of the crease on his first ball in the first innings when England were 8/3. Let's see what he does this time around...
24.3
W
Scott Boland To Jacob Bethell OUT!
OUT! CAUGHT! Jacob Bethell admonishes himself as he trudges off. On the fuller side, on middle. Bethell backs away to go hard through the off side. He slams it aerially and picks out Usman Khawaja at cover, who stays low and holds onto the catch around his right knee. A fine and fluent 40 (46) from Jacob Bethell. England are now 4 down, needing 38 more runs.
24.2
1
Scott Boland To Joe Root
Straightening a bit after pitching, on a back of a length. Joe is squared up in defence and the ball goes off the outside edge down to deep third for a single.
24.1
0
Scott Boland To Joe Root
A bit of extra bounce and nibbling away, on a short of a length. Root manages to fend it down.
End Of The Over 24 : 136/3
3 Runs
  • 123.1
  • 123.2
  • 023.3
  • 023.4
  • 123.5
  • 023.6
J. Bethell
40 (45)
J. Root
11 (19)
M. Neser
6-0-46-0
23.6
0
Michael Neser To Jacob Bethell
Going away off the deck, on a back of a length. Jacob plays well inside the line and is beaten.
23.5
1
Michael Neser To Joe Root
On off, on a good length, Root drops it in front of cover and scampers to the other end.
23.4
0
Michael Neser To Joe Root
Nipping away just enough off the deck, on a back of a length. Root has a waft at it but is lucky not to nick this one behind.
23.3
0
Michael Neser To Joe Root
Seaming back in at the hips, Root is beaten by the movement and wears it on the thigh pad.
23.2
1
Michael Neser To Jacob Bethell
Around off, on a back of a length. Jacob stays on the back foot and guides it behind point for one more.
23.1
1
Michael Neser To Joe Root
On the shorter side, on off, Root rides the bounce and punches it in front of cover for a single.
With 42 runs required, Michael Neser (5-0-43-0) is back on, replacing Mitchell Starc.
End Of The Over 23 : 133/3
6 Runs
  • 122.1
  • 222.2
  • 022.3
  • 022.4
  • 222.5
  • 122.6
J. Root
9 (15)
J. Bethell
39 (43)
S. Boland
7-0-27-1
22.6
1
Scott Boland To Joe Root
Angled in at the pads, on a short of a length. Root works it behind square on the leg side for one.
22.5
2
Scott Boland To Joe Root
On a back of a length, on off, Root taps it with soft hands in front of backward point. Jake Weatherald charges in towards the ball and bends to pick it up, but ends up conceding the second run as the ball sneaks past his right hand.
22.4
0
Scott Boland To Joe Root
A fine take by Alex Carey! Sprayed down leg by Boland, on a nagging length. Root misses out on the tickle. Carey moves to his left and gets his hands in the correct position to gather it. He is quick to whip the bails off but Joe had his back leg grounded inside the crease.
22.3
0
Scott Boland To Joe Root
Fuller and outside off, Joe taps it to point off the front foot.
22.2
2
Scott Boland To Joe Root
Hurls it on a short of a good length, outside off, Root gets on his toes and taps the ball on its head. Plays it away from the man at deep backward point to his right for a brace.
22.1
1
Scott Boland To Jacob Bethell
Boland bangs it in short from over the wicket, over middle and leg. Jacob Bethell charges down the track but then adjusts to the length by arching back. Glides it aerially towards deep third, where the ball gets to the fielder on the bounce. They cross.
End Of The Over 22 : 127/3
5 Runs
  • 121.1
  • 121.2
  • 121.3
  • 021.4
  • 121.5
  • 121.6
J. Bethell
38 (42)
J. Root
4 (10)
M. Starc
8-0-43-1
21.6
1
Mitchell Starc To Jacob Bethell
Nails the yorker at the base of the off stump. Bethell gets his bat down and steers it with an open bat face to deep third for one.
21.5
1
Mitchell Starc To Joe Root
Too straight, above the hips, Root swivels for the pull but gets it off the gloves. The ball rolls behind on the leg side for a run.
21.4
0
Mitchell Starc To Joe Root
Fuller in length, at the sticks. Root is squared up as the ball leaves him off the deck, but he manages to keep it out.
21.3
1
Mitchell Starc To Jacob Bethell
Slams the deck hard, on off, Jacob arches back and runs it down to deep third for one more. England need 50 more.
21.2
1
Mitchell Starc To Joe Root
Tap and run! On a good length, on off, Joe drops it in front of point with soft hands and calls Bethell through for a quick single.
21.1
1
Mitchell Starc To Jacob Bethell
Short and wide on off, Bethell cuts it to deep backward point for a single.
End Of The Over 21 : 122/3
3 Runs
  • 120.1
  • 020.2
  • 020.3
  • 020.4
  • 020.5
  • 220.6
J. Root
2 (7)
J. Bethell
35 (39)
S. Boland
6-0-21-1
20.6
2
Scott Boland To Joe Root
Fuller in length, on off, Root presses on the front foot and caresses it through covers for a couple of runs to get off the mark.
20.5
0
Scott Boland To Joe Root
Drags the length back a touch, on top of off. Joe hangs on the back foot to defend.
20.4
0
Scott Boland To Joe Root
Full and tailing back in, attacking the front pad. Root brings his bat out in front and plays it to mid on.
20.3
0
Scott Boland To Joe Root
Brings the stumps in play, Root stays on the back foot and turns it to mid-wicket.
20.2
0
Scott Boland To Joe Root
Serves it on a short of a good length, Joe rides the bounce and guides it to point.
20.1
1
Scott Boland To Jacob Bethell
At the hips, tucked away to deep fine leg for a single.
End Of The Over 20 : 119/3
7 Runs
  • 019.1
  • 019.2
  • 419.3
  • 219.4
  • 019.5
  • 119.6
J. Bethell
34 (38)
J. Root
0 (2)
M. Starc
7-0-38-1
19.6
1
Mitchell Starc To Jacob Bethell
On a hard length, on off, Bethell gets on top of it and drops it with soft hands in front of gully for a quick single.
19.5
0
Mitchell Starc To Jacob Bethell
Fired down leg, very full, Bethell is beaten for pace in his attempt to glance it fine.
19.4
2
Mitchell Starc To Jacob Bethell
At the stumps, on the fuller side, Bethell tries to work it away with the angle but ends up closing the bat face early. Gets a leading edge that goes wide of point for a couple of runs.
19.3
4
Mitchell Starc To Jacob Bethell
FOUR! Just over! Fuller in length, on off, Bethell charges down the track and thumps it down the ground. Gets just enough elevation to clear the leaping Travis Head at mid off, who moved to his right and stuck out his right hand.
19.2
0
Mitchell Starc To Jacob Bethell
Just too good! Slanting in, on a good length, on off. Jacob Bethell pushes out in front of the body, but the ball leaves him off the deck.
19.1
0
Mitchell Starc To Jacob Bethell
Not that wide for the cut and not too short either. Jacob Bethell crouches and attempts the square cut, but ends up chopping it down on the strip before the ball rolls behind towards the keeper.
End Of The Over 19 : 112/3
1 Runs
  • 018.1
  • 018.2
  • 118.3
  • W 18.4
  • 018.5
  • 018.6
J. Root
0 (2)
J. Bethell
27 (32)
S. Boland
5-0-18-1
18.6
0
Scott Boland To Joe Root
Full and straight, attacking the stumps, Root watchfully keeps it out.
18.5
0
Scott Boland To Joe Root
Fuller in length, on off, Root presses on the front foot and pushes it to the left of the bowler.
Boland opens it up for Australia with a big breakthrough. And now, the man who has never tasted a victory on Aussie soil, Joe Root, walks to the crease at number 5. He is on a pair as Carey is standing up to the wickets.
18.4
W
Scott Boland To Zak Crawley OUT!
OUT! LBW! This looks straight but Zak Crawley has taken the review. This looks like a review more in hope than anything else. On middle and leg, on a length, Crawley's head falls over to the off side slightly and is beaten on the flick on the inside edge. Gets rapped on the front pad. No bat involved and the Ball Tracking comes up as three reds with the ball crashing into the top of the leg stump. Crawley would have wanted to finish the job, but his stay has been cut short. 37 (48) for him. Boland has now dismissed Crawley for the fourth time in Tests. England are 112/3, needing 63 more runs.
18.3
1
Scott Boland To Jacob Bethell
Slightly fuller, on middle. Jacob exposes all three stumps and swings at it. Gets a thickish outside edge down to deep third for a single.
18.2
0
Scott Boland To Jacob Bethell
This is on a short of a good length, on middle. Jacob backs away and steers it to gully.
18.1
0
Scott Boland To Jacob Bethell
Sharp and quick from Boland! Banged in short, over the left shoulder. Bethell premeditates as he charges down the track and then tries to duck, but ends up playing the hook. He fails to connect as the ball goes over the blade.
End Of The Over 18 : 111/2
3 Runs
  • 017.1
  • 117.2
  • 117.3
  • 017.4
  • 117.5
  • 017.6
Z. Crawley
37 (47)
J. Bethell
26 (29)
M. Starc
6-0-31-1
17.6
0
Mitchell Starc To Zak Crawley
Well wide on off, on a back of a length. Zak Crawley throws his hands at it but misses.
17.5
1
Mitchell Starc To Jacob Bethell
On off, on a length, Jacob gets forward for the block but gets an outside edge that goes behind square on the off side for a run.
17.4
0
Mitchell Starc To Jacob Bethell
A ripper from Starc! Angling in and then straightening off the deck, on a good length. Jacob Bethell presents a straight bat to cover the line but is beaten on the outside edge, and the ball sails over the off pole.
17.3
1
Mitchell Starc To Zak Crawley
Dug in short, pushed across, Zak stands tall and steers it behind point for one.
17.2
1
Mitchell Starc To Jacob Bethell
In the corridor, the length is pulled back. Bethell runs it down to deep third for a single.
17.1
0
Mitchell Starc To Jacob Bethell
Starts with a full ball, on off, Bethell presses on the front foot and taps it to mid off.
Mitchell Starc (5-0-28-1) replaces Michael Neser. One of the ground staff is out with a hammer-like thing and is flattening out the landing area for the left-armer. Set to continue.
End Of The Over 17 : 108/2
4 Runs
  • 116.1
  • 1 LB 16.2
  • 016.3
  • 016.4
  • 116.5
  • 116.6
J. Bethell
24 (25)
Z. Crawley
36 (45)
S. Boland
4-0-17-0
16.6
1
Scott Boland To Jacob Bethell
Into the deck, on off, Bethell nudges it wide of mid-wicket for a run.
16.5
1
Scott Boland To Zak Crawley
Slides onto the pads, on a length, helped down to deep fine leg for one.
16.4
0
Scott Boland To Zak Crawley
Lands it full, on off, Crawley knocks it back to Boland.
16.3
0
Scott Boland To Zak Crawley
On a good length, on off, Zak Crawley is solid in defence.
16.2
lb
Scott Boland To Jacob Bethell
Leg bye! Jagging back in, on a nagging length. Bethell is taken aback by the sharp inward movement. A leg bye is taken as the ball goes off the thigh pad on the off side.
16.1
1
Scott Boland To Zak Crawley
Full and attacking the stumps, whipped firmly by Zak. Mitchell Starc dives to his right at mid on and keeps the batters down to a single.
End Of The Over 16 : 104/2
7 Runs
  • 015.1
  • 115.2
  • 015.3
  • 115.4
  • 115.5
  • 415.6
J. Bethell
23 (23)
Z. Crawley
34 (41)
M. Neser
5-0-43-0
15.6
4
Michael Neser To Jacob Bethell
FOUR! Nicely controlled! Neser digs it in short, around the helmet of the batter. Jacob Bethell gets his hands high and swivels to control the pull. Plays it along the ground to the left of deep square leg for a boundary.
15.5
1
Michael Neser To Zak Crawley
On a short of a length, on off, Crawley dabs it in the vacant point region for a single. 100 comes up for England. They need 75 more.
15.4
1
Michael Neser To Jacob Bethell
Full and outside off, Bethell extends his hands for the drive but gets an inside edge that rolls behind on the leg side for one.
It's 3.50 pm local time, and it is time for the hat tip. The MCG crowd sincerely joins in tipping off the hats. A wonderful tribute to the great Shane Warne. The ones to lead this time around are Australia's Adam Gilchrist and Stuart Broad of England.
15.3
0
Michael Neser To Jacob Bethell
Beaten! Full and around off from around the wicket, Jacob Bethell is drawn forward but the ball nips away to beat him on the defence on the outside edge.
15.2
1
Michael Neser To Zak Crawley
Curving back into the pads, on a length, Zak Crawley squeezes out an inside edge that drops beside the strip on the leg side. The batters scamper across for a quick single.
Halt in play as Crawley is put off by a beach ball rolling on the sightscreen. The members of the ground staff get rid of that. Good to resume.
15.1
0
Michael Neser To Zak Crawley
Full and on off, Crawley plays a punchy drive to cover.
End Of The Over 15 : 97/2
2 Runs
  • 014.1
  • 214.2
  • 014.3
  • 014.4
  • 014.5
  • 014.6
J. Bethell
18 (20)
Z. Crawley
32 (38)
S. Boland
3-0-14-0
14.6
0
Scott Boland To Jacob Bethell
A bit of nip back, on a good length, on middle. Jacob Bethell drops his bat down on the ball and ekes out an inside edge onto the pads.
14.5
0
Scott Boland To Jacob Bethell
Boland spots Bethell dancing down the track, and he bangs it in short at the bodyline. Jacob fails to duck out of the way in time and wears it around the left shoulder.
14.4
0
Scott Boland To Jacob Bethell
On the fuller side at the sticks, Jacob Bethell backs away to go go through the off side but ends up mishiting it to mid off.
14.3
0
Scott Boland To Jacob Bethell
Bashes the hard length and gets a bit of lift off the deck, on middle. Jacob Bethell manages to fend it down off the back foot.
14.2
2
Scott Boland To Jacob Bethell
Scott pushes the length up, around off, Bethell leans into the drive and knocks it between cover and mid off for a brace.
14.1
0
Scott Boland To Jacob Bethell
On top of off, on a hard length. Bethell hangs back and stabs it down.
18 runs off the first 2 overs after Tea for England. They need 80 more. If they don't lose quick wickets, guess this will get finished in the next 10 overs or so. Gotta feel for the English fans who are currently on the flight to Melbourne for day three.
End Of The Over 14 : 95/2
10 Runs
  • 313.1
  • 113.2
  • 413.3
  • 213.4
  • 013.5
  • 013.6
Z. Crawley
32 (38)
J. Bethell
16 (14)
M. Neser
4-0-36-0
13.6
0
Michael Neser To Zak Crawley
On off, on a back of a length, punched to cover.
13.5
0
Michael Neser To Zak Crawley
On a good length, on off, Zak taps it back to Boland.
13.4
2
Michael Neser To Zak Crawley
Not in control but safe! On a length, on off, Crawley has a big swipe at it and the ball gets sliced over cover for a couple of runs.
13.3
4
Michael Neser To Zak Crawley
FOUR! Off the edge! Fuller in length, on off and middle. Zak Crawley pushes out in front of his body, but the ball nibbles away to catch the outside edge. The ball goes down and through the gap between second slip and gully. Steve Smith at second slip dives to his right, but the ball is out of his reach.
13.2
1
Michael Neser To Jacob Bethell
Tailing back in at the off stump, on a good length. Jacob Bethell chops it wide of gully for a single.
13.1
3
Michael Neser To Zak Crawley
This is on a back of a length, outside off. Zak waits on the back foot and glides it nicely with an open bat face to the left of deep backward point. Cameron Green goes after it from gully but cannot prevent the batters from taking the third run.
Guess what the talk was during the break in that English dressing room? Why don't you try a reverse scoop against Boland? Jokes apart. A really positive start for England as they managed to trim 8 runs off the target right away. Michael Neser (3-0-26-0) to operate from the other end.
End Of The Over 13 : 85/2
8 Runs
  • 212.1
  • 412.2
  • 012.3
  • 1 LB 12.4
  • 012.5
  • 112.6
Z. Crawley
23 (33)
J. Bethell
15 (13)
S. Boland
2-0-12-0
12.6
1
Scott Boland To Zak Crawley
Attacking the front pad, full in length, Zak Crawley clips it towards deep mid-wicket and keeps the strike with a single.
12.5
0
Scott Boland To Zak Crawley
Alex Carey is back up to the stumps. In the channel, on a length, left alone by Zak.
12.4
lb
Scott Boland To Jacob Bethell
Leg bye! On a good length, on middle, angled in, with the keeper now back to his usual position, Jacob Bethell walks down the track and tries to clip it away. A leg bye is taken as the ball goes off the pads on the leg side.
12.3
0
Scott Boland To Jacob Bethell
Very full, on off, Bethell digs it out to cover. Zak sets off for the single and is almost halfway through before he is sent back.
12.2
4
Scott Boland To Jacob Bethell
FOUR! A shot of high class! A half-volley from Boland, on off, Bethell transfers his weight onto the front foot and creams the drive between cover and mid off for a boundary.
12.1
2
Scott Boland To Jacob Bethell
Whoa! Action straightaway! Full and on middle, Jacob Bethell brings out the reverse scoop on the very first ball. He wanted to go more over the slip cordon but ended up getting it over the head of the keeper up to the stumps. The ball plugs in the outfield and Bethell collects a couple of runs.
Welcome back for the evening session. The umpires and players walk out refreshed off a much-needed break. The Australian players scatter across and take their spots on the field. Zak Crawley and Jacob Bethell are all set to resume their batting for England. Scott Boland (1-0-5-0) will get us underway after the Tea break. Bethell to face with a couple of slips in position. 98 runs to win for the tourists, with 8 wickets in hand. Here we go...
... DAY 2, THIRD SESSION ...
For large parts of this Test, England have stayed ahead of Australia, driven mainly by their work with the ball. Yet, as this Ashes has shown, they have often let control slip from positions of dominance. This time, though, the opportunity is significant. Eight wickets in hand and the target down to double digits with all the time in the world gives England a clear chance to finally close one out. Australia cannot be counted out still, but they do need a miraculous bowling display from their pace quartet if they are to turn this around. Another gripping and possibly the final session of the match is coming up. Play resumes at 4.34 am GMT. Don't go anywhere.
In reply, England were set a target of 175, the highest total of the match across all innings. Crawley and Duckett looked to cash in early before the heavy roller’s effect faded. Duckett threw the entire shot book at the bowlers, orthodox and unconventional alike, and settled in nicely before Starc uprooted him with a searing yorker. He still played his part with a brisk 34 off 26. England then tried the Carse experiment at number three, likely aiming to shrink the target quickly, but it did not pay off. The slide followed swiftly, from 51 without loss to 65/2. Normalcy resumed with Bethell and Crawley seeing off the rest of the session safely.
Australia were already on the back foot at the start of the afternoon session, and it never really improved. Steve Smith batted proactively, shuffling and moving at the crease, but partners kept disappearing around him. Cameron Green offered brief resistance, yet just as the stand began to take shape, Ben Stokes struck, and the collapse followed swiftly. From there, Australia unraveled from 98 for 6 to 132 all out, with only Head, Smith, and Green reaching double figures as Stokes and Brydon Carse tore through the lower order. The course correction from England’s bowlers was impressive, especially with Gus Atkinson sidelined by a left hamstring issue, and Carse stepping up with a four-wicket haul.
Finally, from England's point of view, Bazball has made an appearance, albeit a dead cat bounce. This has been the kind of Test match that has raced through time, where the action moved so quickly that it feels like five days of cricket have been wrapped into two. Another action-packed session where 111 runs were scored in 21.3 overs, with 6 wickets falling. As things stand, England shouldn't find it difficult to hunt this down. But we have seen some really unexpected things happen in this sport, so let's just prevent ourselves from drawing out the conclusion and witness drama unfold.
End Of The Over 12 : 77/2
1 Runs
  • 011.1
  • 011.2
  • 1 LB 11.3
  • 011.4
  • 011.5
  • 011.6
Z. Crawley
22 (31)
J. Bethell
9 (9)
J. Richardson
3-1-14-1
11.6
0
Jhye Richardson To Zak Crawley
Goes past the bat! Pitched up, around off, Zak goes for the drive without any foot movement. The ball cuts back in off the deck to go past the inside edge and it was not far away from crashing into the off pole. That will be TEA on Day 2!
11.5
0
Jhye Richardson To Zak Crawley
A polite enquiry from the men behind the bat! Richardson goes wide on the crease and bangs it into the surface, sprays it down leg. Zak Crawley swivels for the pull but the ball sneaks under his bat. It is taken by Alex Carey diving to his left but no one is convinced enough to go for the review. The replays show that the ball actually clipped Zak's sweater on its way to the keeper.
11.4
0
Jhye Richardson To Zak Crawley
Little bit short and wide, Zak tucks his bat inside the line as the ball nips away off the seam.
11.3
lb
Jhye Richardson To Jacob Bethell
Leg bye! On a back of a length, on middle and leg. Bethell presses on the back foot and is late on the pull. The ball sneaks under the blade and catches him on the box. The ball drops at his feet and he is called through for a quick leg bye by Zak Crawley.
11.2
0
Jhye Richardson To Jacob Bethell
This goes away from the left-hander off a good length. Jacob Bethell has a slight poke at it and is beaten on the outside edge.
11.1
0
Jhye Richardson To Jacob Bethell
Jagging back in off a hard length, Jacob hangs back to fend it down but the ball goes past the bat to catch him on the thigh pad.
Righto, the final over before Tea coming up. Jhye Richardson (2-0-14-1) to bowl.
End Of The Over 11 : 76/2
6 Runs
  • 010.1
  • 1 LB 10.2
  • 010.3
  • 010.4
  • 410.5
  • 110.6
J. Bethell
9 (6)
Z. Crawley
22 (28)
S. Boland
1-0-5-0
10.6
1
Scott Boland To Jacob Bethell
On off, on a good length, Bethell walks across and gets closer to the line of the ball. He drops it with soft hands in front of cover for a quick single. England need 99 more runs.
10.5
4
Scott Boland To Jacob Bethell
FOUR! Lovely shot! Fractionally fuller, on middle. Bethell skips down the track and presents the full face of the blade. Just checks his drive and beats mid off to his right for four.
10.4
0
Scott Boland To Jacob Bethell
On middle and leg, on a nagging length. Jacob is down the track and tries to fend it down but is beaten on the inside edge and gets hit on the thigh pad.
10.3
0
Scott Boland To Jacob Bethell
Prodigious seam movement! On a back of a length from around the wicket, on off and middle. Jacob Bethell is half-forward for the block, but the ball jags back in sharply to go past the inside edge. Luckily for Bethell, the bounce takes the ball over the stumps.
10.2
lb
Scott Boland To Zak Crawley
Australia burn a review! Jagging back in, on a length, around off, Zak advances and is across the stumps. He drops his bat down on the ball, but is beaten on the inside edge and wears it on the back thigh. A leg bye is taken as the ball goes away on the off side. A massive shout for LBW but turned down. The impact looks outside off, but Australia opt for the review. As expected, the Ball Tracking shows that the impact is outside off.
Has Boland struck his first through LBW? A review taken by Australia to challenge the on-field decision. But the Ball Tracking shows the impact to be outside off. Kumar Dharmasena signalled leg bye even before the review was taken.
10.1
0
Scott Boland To Zak Crawley
On a back of a length, on middle. Zak Crawley walks down the track and across the stumps. He tries to tickle it fine but misses. A good diving take by Alex Carey to his left.
End Of The Over 10 : 70/2
9 Runs
  • 09.1
  • 19.2
  • 19.3
  • 29.4
  • W 9.5
  • 1 NB 9.6
  • 49.6
J. Bethell
4 (2)
Z. Crawley
22 (26)
J. Richardson
2-0-14-1
9.6
4
Jhye Richardson To Jacob Bethell
FOUR! Not convincing, but that will do, says Jacob Bethell! Richardson bashes the hard length, on middle. Betthell stays back and has a jab at it as he tries to go through mid-wicket. Gets a thickish outside edge that flies over the slip cordon for a four.
Expecting a bit of normalcy to resume now with a few minutes left for the break.
9.6
nb
Jhye Richardson To Jacob Bethell
No ball! Banged in short, over middle. Jacob Bethell sways away and drops his wrists to let the ball pass. Richardson has overstepped.
That was a reckless shot from Carse and that experiment didn't quite work well for the tourists. Jacob Bethell is in at number 4. Big opportunity for the young lad to bat till the end and get some runs behind his name.
9.5
W
Jhye Richardson To Brydon Carse OUT!
OUT! IN THE AIR AND GONE! Brydon Carse had the license to go after everything, but it did not quite come off. Jhye Richardson has his first Test wicket on return to the side after 4 years. At the stumps, on a good length. Carse exposes all three stumps and clears the front leg. He has a swipe across the line but a top edge is found. It goes down to deep third, where Cameron Green settles under it and does the rest. England are now 65/2, needing 110 more runs.
9.4
2
Jhye Richardson To Brydon Carse
Keeps it full, on off. Brydon gets the front leg out of the way and heaves it away to the right of long on for a couple of runs.
9.3
1
Jhye Richardson To Zak Crawley
Fuller and on off, eased away to deep point for one.
9.2
1
Jhye Richardson To Brydon Carse
Angled in on middle, on a back of a length. Brydon stays back and dabs it through point for a single.
9.1
0
Jhye Richardson To Brydon Carse
On a hard length, outside off, Carse has a big swing at it but is beaten for pace.
This is shaping up to be wrapped up even quicker than the Perth two-dayer. That first Test produced a result in 141.1 overs in two days, and already 118.4 overs have been bowled here, with England still needing 115 runs on the second day. Seems quite possible. But the traditionalists surely won't be liking the way things are panning out.
End Of The Over 9 : 61/1
5 Runs
  • 18.1
  • 08.2
  • 08.3
  • 08.4
  • 08.5
  • 48.6
Z. Crawley
21 (25)
B. Carse
3 (4)
M. Starc
5-0-28-1
8.6
4
Mitchell Starc To Zak Crawley
FOUR! Class written all over it! At 142 kph, full and angled across. Zak Crawley just presses on the front foot and extends his hands into the drive. He manages to beat the diving mid off fielder to his left for a four. England need 114 more runs.
8.5
0
Mitchell Starc To Zak Crawley
Very full, outside off, Zak reaches out but ends up mishiting it to mid on.
8.4
0
Mitchell Starc To Zak Crawley
Nearly chipped back! On a good length, on middle, Crawley sets up to work it away with a closed bat face but the ball holds in the surface. It pops up but well out of the reach of Starc to his right.
8.3
0
Mitchell Starc To Zak Crawley
Full and wide on off, Zak leans on for the drive but miscues it off the inner half back to the bowler.
8.2
0
Mitchell Starc To Zak Crawley
Full and pushed across the right-hander, Crawley looks to firm the drive down the ground but is beaten as the ball leaves him.
8.1
1
Mitchell Starc To Brydon Carse
Probably Starc spotted Carse back away and hence, he followed him. Brydon manages to swipe it away to deep square leg for a single.
It has started to misbehave now. The final delivery from Richardson clearly showed the ball nipping around prodigiously.
End Of The Over 8 : 56/1
5 Runs
  • 1 NB 7.1
  • 17.1
  • 07.2
  • 17.3
  • 17.4
  • 17.5
  • 07.6
Z. Crawley
17 (20)
B. Carse
2 (3)
J. Richardson
1-0-5-0
7.6
0
Jhye Richardson To Zak Crawley
Beaten! A sharp nip-backer, on a length, on off. Zak Crawley presses half-forward to defend but is cut in half as the ball beats him on the inside edge.
7.5
1
Jhye Richardson To Brydon Carse
Nearly sneaked through! With an upright seam, on a good length, jagging back in. Brydon Carse stays back to a full ball and presents a straight bat out in front. Gets an inside edge onto the back pad and the ball dribbles in front of the slip cordon. That allows the batters to sneak in a quick single.
7.4
1
Jhye Richardson To Zak Crawley
Banged in short, on middle. Crawley pulls it through mid-wicket and turns the strike over.
7.3
1
Jhye Richardson To Brydon Carse
Fuller and on off, Carse waits on the back foot and guides it behind square on the off side for a single.
7.2
0
Jhye Richardson To Brydon Carse
If it wasn't clear already, what is he sent for? It is clear now. On a nagging length, on middle. Brydon Carse shimmies down the track and swings for the hills, but fails to connect.
7.1
1
Jhye Richardson To Zak Crawley
On a back of a length, on off, Zak taps it wide of point for a single.
7.1
nb
Jhye Richardson To Zak Crawley
In the channel, on a good length, Crawley has feel for it and is beaten on the outside edge. Jhye has overstepped. No Ball given.
We have seen everything in this Test. From Boland opening for Australia, to Brydon Carse walking in at number 3 for England now. He surely hasn't been sent up the order to block and defend. He will definitely go bang bang to strike off a few runs quickly off the target before the heavy roller effect fades away. Jhye Richardson is brought into the attack, replacing Michael Neser.
End Of The Over 7 : 51/1
6 Runs
  • 06.1
  • 06.2
  • 06.3
  • 26.4
  • 46.5
  • W 6.6
B. Duckett
34 (26)
Z. Crawley
15 (16)
M. Starc
4-0-23-1
6.6
W
Mitchell Starc To Ben Duckett OUT!
OUT! TIMBER! Ben Duckett fails to keep it out but he has given his side a good start in the chase. Starc gets it very full, on middle. Ben fails to get his bat down quickly and the ball sneaks under the blade before it brushes the back pad and crashes into the woodwork. Duckett falls for a brisk 34 (26). England are now 51/1, needing 124 more runs.
6.5
4
Mitchell Starc To Ben Duckett
FOUR! Hit hard and wide enough! Not all that wide but fractionally short, Duckett stays on the back foot and slaps it to the right of deep point for a four. 50 UP FOR ENGLAND. They require 124 more.
6.4
2
Mitchell Starc To Ben Duckett
3,000 Test runs for Ben Duckett! Fuller and swinging away, Duckett lets the ball come to him and eases the drive through covers for a couple of runs.
6.3
0
Mitchell Starc To Ben Duckett
Onto the pads, on a good length, Ben sets up to turn it away on the leg side but gets a soft leading edge back to the bowler.
6.2
0
Mitchell Starc To Ben Duckett
A big swing and a miss! Full and a late away shape, outside off. Duckett goes hard on the drive but is beaten on the outside edge.
6.1
0
Mitchell Starc To Ben Duckett
At 143.3 kph, moving away off the deck, on off and middle, on a good length. Ben Duckett gets slightly squared up but manages to keep it out.
Will Boland get a nod now? Not yet. Starc (3-0-17-0) to continue.
End Of The Over 6 : 45/0
11 Runs
  • 45.1
  • 65.2
  • 05.3
  • 15.4
  • 05.5
  • 05.6
Z. Crawley
15 (16)
B. Duckett
28 (20)
M. Neser
3-0-26-0
5.6
0
Michael Neser To Zak Crawley
Hurls it on a length, on middle and leg. Zak Crawley presses half-forward for the block and is beaten as the ball nips back to catch him on the back pad. Half a shout for LBW but that is comfortably going down leg.
5.5
0
Michael Neser To Zak Crawley
Slides onto the pads, on a good length. Zak Crawley misses out on the tickle and wears it on the front pad.
5.4
1
Michael Neser To Ben Duckett
Keeps it full and straight, on middle, Duckett works it in front of square on the leg side for a single. Duckett is on 2999 Test runs now in 42 Tests.
5.3
0
Michael Neser To Ben Duckett
At the sticks, on a length, Duckett is solid in defence and that brings about a loud cheer from the Barmy Army. They are really loving this start from England.
5.2
6
Michael Neser To Ben Duckett
SIX! Innovative and mighty effective! Neser lands it fuller, on off, Duckett walks across his stumps and gets low to get the elevation on the scoop. Gets the distance on it as the ball lands beyond the deep fine leg fence for a six. That was a bit Sam Konstas vs Jasprit Bumrah like. Truly audacious.
5.1
4
Michael Neser To Ben Duckett
FOUR! Streaky but Ben Duckett won't mind it one bit! Full and on middle, Duckett advances down the track and swings at it. Gets a top edge that flies over the slip cordon and Jake Weatherald at deep backward point stands no chance of getting around and cutting it off.
End Of The Over 5 : 34/0
8 Runs
  • 04.1
  • 1 LB 4.2
  • 24.3
  • 04.4
  • 24.5
  • 34.6
B. Duckett
17 (16)
Z. Crawley
15 (14)
M. Starc
3-0-17-0
4.6
3
Mitchell Starc To Ben Duckett
Too full, too straight, on the pads, Ben brings his wrists into play and works it through mid-wicket. The ball does not have enough legs to reach the fence, but Duckett picks up three runs. It has been a mixed bag so far from Starc in terms of lines and lengths.
4.5
2
Mitchell Starc To Ben Duckett
Short and wide on off, Rapped on the pads! Duckett reaches out and thumps it wth a horizontal bat to the left of deep point for two more runs.
4.4
0
Mitchell Starc To Ben Duckett
Full and on leg, Ben's head falls over to the off side as he tries to clip it away and wears it on the front pad.
4.3
2
Mitchell Starc To Ben Duckett
Full and on middle, Ben Duckett presents the full face of the bat and unleashes a drive back past Zak Crawley at the non-striker's end for a couple of runs.
4.2
lb
Mitchell Starc To Zak Crawley
Rapped on the pads! Mitchell Starc is pretty convinced and after a chat with the bowler, Steve Smith takes the review with a couple of seconds left on the timer. Shaping back in, on a length, on middle and leg. Crawley is beaten on the flick, and the ball goes through to hit him on the back pad. A leg bye is sneaked in as the ball rolls away on the leg side. Snicko confirms no bat, but where has this pitched? Ball Tracking comes up as umpire's call on pitching and the ball is clipping the leg stump.
4.1
0
Mitchell Starc To Zak Crawley
Not far away from crashing into the stumps. Full and tailing back in, after landing just outside the off stump. Zak Crawley goes for the big booming drive and is beaten on the inside edge. The ball sneaks just past the off pole.
This has been a perfect start for England. They are going more than run-a-ball right now. Can't see this going into the third day, even if Australia strike with a few wickets before Tea.
End Of The Over 4 : 26/0
11 Runs
  • 63.1
  • 43.2
  • 03.3
  • 13.4
  • 03.5
  • 03.6
B. Duckett
10 (12)
Z. Crawley
15 (12)
M. Neser
2-0-15-0
3.6
0
Michael Neser To Ben Duckett
Close! Neser goes wide on the crease and delivers it on a good length, at the stumps. Ben Duckett stays low to get behind it in defence, but the ball jags back in sharply with a bit of extra bounce. It catches the southpaw on the back thigh before going over the stumps.
3.5
0
Michael Neser To Ben Duckett
Ambitious attempt! On a good length, outside off, Ben Duckett walks across his stumps and attempts the scoop but fails to connect.
3.4
1
Michael Neser To Zak Crawley
Angled in at the pads, on a length, Zak turns it square on the leg side for a single.
3.3
0
Michael Neser To Zak Crawley
On a back of a length, on off, Crawley taps it to cover.
3.2
4
Michael Neser To Zak Crawley
FOUR! Absolutely hammered! Drags the length back, does Neser, on a good length. Zak gets the width to work with and he slaps it past cover for a four.
3.1
6
Michael Neser To Zak Crawley
SIX! Stand and deliver! Pitched up by Neser with Alex Carey up to the stumps. Zak Crawley stays still in his crease and swings through the line. He pumps it back over the bowler's head for a six.
End Of The Over 3 : 15/0
6 Runs
  • 02.1
  • 42.2
  • 02.3
  • 02.4
  • 02.5
  • 22.6
B. Duckett
10 (10)
Z. Crawley
4 (8)
M. Starc
2-0-10-0
2.6
2
Mitchell Starc To Ben Duckett
On a hard length, outside off, Ben reaches out and flays at it over point for a couple of runs.
2.5
0
Mitchell Starc To Ben Duckett
Did that carry? Nearly a repeat of the first innings dismissal. Full and on leg, Duckett tries to turn it away on the leg side and closes the bat face. The ball moves away late to catch the leading edge and it pops back up towards the bowler. Starc sprints and dives on his follow-through but cannot quite get his hands under the ball and can only get fingertips to it.
2.4
0
Mitchell Starc To Ben Duckett
Mitchell Starc can only chuckle! Very full, landing around middle and off, and then moving away. Premeditation from Duckett as he gives the bowler the charge and then, after seeing the length, he tries to dig it out but is beaten on the outside edge due to the late movement.
2.3
0
Mitchell Starc To Ben Duckett
How about that for a comeback? At 146.3 kph, on a good length, going away off the deck. Ben Duckett has a feel for it but is beaten all ends up.
2.2
4
Mitchell Starc To Ben Duckett
FOUR! Too straight and Ben Duckett neatly puts it away. In search of the outswinger, Starc slides onto the pads, Duckett clips it through backward square leg for a four.
2.1
0
Mitchell Starc To Ben Duckett
Goes after it, does Duckett! Full and moving away from the left-hander. It keeps going away and Ben throws his hands at it, only to connect with thin air.
End Of The Over 2 : 9/0
4 Runs
  • 01.1
  • 01.2
  • 21.3
  • 01.4
  • 21.5
  • 01.6
Z. Crawley
4 (8)
B. Duckett
4 (4)
M. Neser
1-0-4-0
1.6
0
Michael Neser To Zak Crawley
Slanting in, tucking the batter up for room, on a nagging length. Zak Crawley gets right behind it to defend.
1.5
2
Michael Neser To Zak Crawley
Fractionally short, on middle. Zak stands tall and swings hard for the pull. Gets it more off the inner half of the blade to the left of deep fine leg for a brace.
1.4
0
Michael Neser To Zak Crawley
A bit more effort on this ball, on a good length, in the corridor. Crawley makes a watchful leave.
1.3
2
Michael Neser To Zak Crawley
Fuller and angled in at the sticks, Zak charges down the track and goes over mid on. He does not quite get hold of it and the ball plugs in the outfield. Crawley is off the mark with a couple of runs.
1.2
0
Michael Neser To Zak Crawley
In and around the off pole, on a good length, Crawley plays it on the rise to cover.
1.1
0
Michael Neser To Zak Crawley
Serves it on a good length, in the channel, a hint of away shape. Zak Crawley shoulders arms.
Boland from the other end? Nope. It's Michael Neser set to share the attack.
End Of The Over 1 : 5/0
5 Runs
  • 00.1
  • 1 LB 0.2
  • 40.3
  • 00.4
  • 00.5
  • 00.6
B. Duckett
4 (4)
Z. Crawley
0 (2)
M. Starc
1-0-4-0
0.6
0
Mitchell Starc To Ben Duckett
Fuller and wider on off at 143.7 kph, Ben Duckett backs away and a has a swipe at it but misses by a long way.
0.5
0
Mitchell Starc To Ben Duckett
A lot better from Starc! Closer to the off stump, angled in and then going away. Duckett is tentative with his footwork and just hangs his bat out to cover the line, but is beaten past the outside edge.
0.4
0
Mitchell Starc To Ben Duckett
A flash and a miss! Short and wide on off, moving away in the air. Ben Duckett looks to flat bat it down the ground rather than going square of the wicket. He reaches out but the ball sneaks under the blade.
0.3
4
Mitchell Starc To Ben Duckett
FOUR! Easy pickings! Starc goes searching for the outswinger but slips it full, on the pads. Ben Duckett does not miss out as he flicks it behind square leg for a four.
0.2
lb
Mitchell Starc To Zak Crawley
Leg bye! This zips through, on a shortish length at the body. Zak is beaten for pace as he tries to fend it down. A leg bye is taken as the ball goes behind off the thigh pad on the leg side.
0.1
0
Mitchell Starc To Zak Crawley
Bashes the hard length and gets the ball to shape back into the right-hander, on middle and leg. Zak Crawley gets his bat out in front to deal with it but the ball beats him on the inside edge and catches him on the thigh pad.
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Match Info
  • Venue Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), Melbourne
  • Weather Sunny
  • Toss England won the toss and elected to field
  • Result England beat Australia by 4 wickets
  • Player of the Match Josh Tongue
  • Umpire Chris Gaffaney (NZ), Kumar Dharmasena (SL) and Ahsan Raza (PAK)
  • Referee Jeff Crowe (NZ)
Match Notes
  • Stumps: Australia 4/0 in 1.0 overs
  • S Boland dropped on 0 by J Bethell in 0.5 overs
  • Innings Break: England 110/10 in 29.5 overs
  • J Tongue dropped on 11 by S Boland in 26.5 overs
  • England 102/9 in 25.5 overs
  • Drinks: England 77/7 in 20.2 overs
  • 5th wkt Partnership: 50 off 50 balls between H Brook (34) and B Stokes (15)
  • England 52/4 in 11.5 overs
  • Drinks: England 39/4 in 11.0 overs
  • Tea: Australia 152/10 in 45.2 overs
  • Innings Break: Australia 152/10 in 45.2 overs
  • Australia 151/7 in 42.5 overs
  • 7th wkt Partnership: 50 off 64 balls between C Green (17) and M Neser (31)
  • Drinks: Australia 120/6 in 38.0 overs
  • Referral 2 (28.5 ovs): ENG against U Khawaja (Caught) Unsuccessful (AUS: 3, ENG: 2)
  • Australia 103/6 in 35.5 overs
  • Lunch: Australia 72/4 in 25.0 overs
  • Australia 50/3 in 17.3 overs
  • Referral 1 (13.6 ovs): ENG against S Smith (Caught) Unsuccessful (AUS: 3, ENG: 2)
  • Drinks: Australia 34/3 in 11.5 overs
  • Referral 4 (30.5): AUS against H Brook (LBW) Unsuccessful (AUS: 1, ENG: 2)
  • Referral 3 (28.4): J Root against AUS (LBW) Unsuccessful (AUS: 2, ENG: 2) (Retained)
  • England 152/4 in 27.2 overs
  • Drinks: England 141/4 in 26.0 overs
  • Referral 2 (18.4): Z Crawley against AUS (LBW) Unsuccessful (AUS: 2, ENG: 2)
  • England 100/2 in 15.5 overs
  • Tea: England 77/2 in 12.0 overs
  • Referral 1 (10.2): AUS against Z Crawley (LBW) Unsuccessful (AUS: 2, ENG: 3)
  • 1st wkt Partnership: 50 off 41 balls between Z Crawley (15) and B Duckett (34)
  • England 51/0 in 6.5 overs
  • B Duckett dropped on 8 by M Starc in 2.5 overs
  • Innings Break: Australia 132/10 in 34.3 overs
  • Referral 1 (26.5 ovs): ENG against S Smith (LBW) Unsuccessful (AUS: 3, ENG: 2)
  • Lunch: Australia 98/6 in 25.0 overs
  • Drinks: Australia 51/2 in 14.0 overs
  • Australia 50/2 in 13.3 overs
  • T Head dropped on 26 by W Jacks in 13.3 overs
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