England have kept the Ashes series alive with a heart-stopping, against-the-odds victory in the Fourth Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. In a match that swung wildly over five days, Ben Stokes's side overturned a significant first-innings deficit to clinch a win that levels the series at 2-2, setting up a decider in Sydney.
A Tumultuous Start and a Spirited Fightback
The match began in disastrous fashion for the tourists. After winning the toss and choosing to bat, England were skittled for a paltry 185 runs on the opening day. Australian captain Pat Cummins was the chief destroyer, ripping through the top order with a devastating spell of fast bowling. In reply, Australia appeared to be cruising towards a commanding lead, but a middle-order collapse, engineered by the persistent English attack, limited their advantage. They were eventually dismissed for 262, a lead of just 77 runs that proved far less decisive than many had predicted.
England's second innings was a tale of grit and determination. Opener Zak Crawley laid a solid foundation with a patient 65, while the middle order, led by a typically combative half-century from Ben Stokes, chipped away at the Australian lead. The lower order, including a vital cameo from wicketkeeper Jamie Smith, pushed the total to 315, setting Australia a challenging target of 239 to win the Test and retain the Ashes.
Stokes Inspires Final Day Triumph
The final day's play was a masterpiece of tension. Australia started steadily, but the loss of David Warner just before lunch ignited English belief. The afternoon session belonged to England's bowlers, who produced a sustained period of pressure. Spinner Jack Leach claimed the crucial wicket of Steve Smith, caught at short leg, before the pacemen took over.
Ben Stokes, defying fatigue, produced a spell of raw pace and reverse swing to remove Marnus Labuschagne and Travis Head in quick succession. With the crowd in a frenzy, veteran seamer James Anderson sealed the remarkable win, trapping Pat Cummins LBW. Australia were bowled out for 187, handing England a memorable 51-run victory.
The result means the fate of the Ashes urn will be decided in the Fifth and final Test at the SCG, starting on January 3rd. The series is now perfectly poised at 2-2, ensuring a historic climax to one of the most dramatic Ashes tours in recent memory.
