England’s bowlers have seized control of the Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, dismantling Australia’s second innings to 98 for six. The destructive bowling display unfolded on a challenging pitch that offered significant assistance to seamers, continuing a trend of rapid wicket-falls that has seen 26 dismissals across just four sessions of play.
At the lunch interval, Australia held a slender lead of 140 runs, with every run proving incredibly valuable on a pitch described as a dream for fast bowlers. Josh Tongue and Brydon Carse were particularly effective, each claiming two wickets, while captain Ben Stokes and Gus Atkinson contributed one apiece. However, Atkinson’s promising spell was cut short when he left the field with suspected hamstring pain.
England opted to open with Brydon Carse for the second time, but his initial spell lacked penetration despite the helpful conditions. Gus Atkinson, though seemingly more expensive, delivered the breakthrough by dismissing nightwatcher Scott Boland with a delivery that found extra bounce. Boland’s attempt to defend outside off proved unsuccessful, giving England an early boost.
England’s relief was short-lived as Atkinson was forced to hobble off the field clutching his left leg at the conclusion of his fourth over. His departure prompted the immediate introduction of captain Ben Stokes, who required just five balls to make an impact. Jake Weatherald was undone by an indecisive leave, his off-stump being dislodged by Stokes’ accurate bowling.
Travis Head’s aggressive approach threatened to rebuild Australia’s innings, but he was given a crucial life on 26 when a miscued shot was dropped at backward point. Despite a diving effort from Will Jacks, the ball could only be parried, allowing Head to continue his scoring.
Marnus Labuschagne struggled to adapt to the difficult conditions, enduring a brief and uncomfortable stay at the crease. He was struck twice on the gloves in a hostile over from Stokes before eventually nicking a delivery from Josh Tongue to Joe Root at first slip. Labuschagne’s dismissal, for eight, was controversial as he felt the catch was not clean, a decision upheld by the TV umpire.
Head, who had become the top-scorer in the match by surpassing Harry Brook’s 41, fell just four runs shy of a half-century. He was ultimately dismissed by a devastating delivery from Brydon Carse, a spinning leg-break that jagged back sharply to bowl him. This wicket marked a significant turning point in the session.
England continued their relentless assault, claiming a third wicket for just six runs as Josh Tongue dismissed Usman Khawaja for a duck. Khawaja’s tentative shot looped to fine leg, and the collapse was compounded when Brydon Carse had Alex Carey flashing at a wide delivery, caught by the cordon.
Australia’s batting lineup is facing immense pressure, with the pitch offering variable bounce and considerable movement. The English bowlers have capitalized on these conditions expertly, consistently hitting the right lengths and exploiting the slightest of errors from the Australian batsmen. The momentum firmly rests with the tourists as they aim to secure a dominant position.
