
Pace dominance continued on Day 2 at the MCG as Brydon Carse and Ben Stokes tore through the Australian lineup, skittling the hosts for just 132 in their second innings.
The clinical bowling performance has handed England a golden opportunity to claim their first victory of the current Ashes series.
England now requires 175 runs to win. However, the chase will be a stern test as they look to navigate the formidable pace attack of Mitchell Starc and Michael Neser on a challenging Melbourne surface.
Earlier, Australia was bowled out for 152 in their first innings. England, however, failed to capitalize on Day 1, collapsing for a mere 110 and handing the hosts a 42-run first-inning lead. Australia had ended the opening day at 4-0.
The script flipped on Saturday (December 27) as Carse and Stokes gave the Australian batters no room to breathe. Travis Head top-scored for the hosts with a counter-attacking 46 off 67 balls, while Steven Smith remained unbeaten on 24, left stranded as partners fell around him. Cameron Green contributed 19, but the innings folded in just 34.3 overs.
Bowling Figures:
In a remarkable display of seam bowling, all 10 wickets in the second innings fell to pace—matching the trend from Day 1 where fast bowlers claimed all 20 wickets to fall.
While Australia has already clinched the series 3-0, England is desperate to narrow the margin by winning the final two Tests.
With the visitors in the driver's seat on Day 2 of the fourth Test, all eyes are on whether they can successfully cross the finish line.




