England launched a pulsating run-chase at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on Saturday, 27 December 2025, needing 175 runs to secure a historic first Test victory on Australian soil in nearly 15 years.
A Manic Day Sets Up Tense Finale
The prospect of a second two-day finish in this Ashes series loomed large, with England reaching 77 for two at the tea break in pursuit of their target. After both sides were dismissed on a chaotic first day, England's bowlers dominated again, skittling Australia for just 132 in under 35 overs on day two. This set up a tantalising opportunity to end a winless streak spanning three tours and 18 Tests in Australia.
England's Aggressive Start and Wobbles
The chase began in characteristic, aggressive fashion. Ben Duckett released early tension with two boundaries off Mitchell Starc, surviving a couple of nervy moments. At the other end, Zak Crawley blazed a stunning straight six off Michael Neser. Duckett's rollercoaster innings of 34 from 26 balls, which included a ramp for six, ended when Starc finally breached his defences.
England then sprung a surprise, sending in Brydon Carse ahead of the scheduled Jacob Bethell. The move lasted just eight balls before Carse fell, allowing Bethell to join Crawley at the crease.
Bowlers Set the Stage for Dramatic Chase
England's morning had been defined by a relentless bowling performance. They removed nightwatcher Scott Boland early, though suffered a blow when Gus Atkinson left the field with a hamstring injury after just four overs. Captain Ben Stokes stepped up, clean bowling Jake Weatherald.
Travis Head, the series' most prolific batter, threatened again with a counter-attacking 46. However, Carse produced a brilliant delivery to bowl him, sparking a collapse of three wickets for six runs. Josh Tongue bounced out Usman Khawaja for a duck, and Alex Carey fell soon after.
After lunch, England mopped up the tail efficiently. Stokes and Carse shared the final four wickets, with Carse striking twice in two balls to dismiss Neser and Starc for ducks. Stokes wrapped up the innings by catching and bowling Jhye Richardson, leaving England a target of 175.
With the match hurtling towards a conclusion and the MCG crowd on edge, England's batters returned after tea knowing that a successful chase would etch their names into Ashes history, ending a long and painful drought away from home.
