Australia Takes Control in Ashes After Record MCG Attendance

Australia ended the day in a strong position during the fourth Test of the Ashes series at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) on March 15, 2024. The home team reached stumps at four runs without loss in their second innings, holding a 46-run lead over England. Nightwatchman Scott Boland was not out on four, while Travis Head had yet to score.

The day’s play was marked by England’s dramatic collapse, as they were bowled out for just 110 runs in response to Australia’s first innings total of 152. This encounter saw the highest number of wickets fall in a single day at the MCG since 1902, with 25 wickets crumbling throughout the day. Josh Tongue had a standout performance, claiming a career-best 5 for 45, dismantling the Australian batting lineup on a grassy pitch after England captain Ben Stokes won the toss and opted to field first.

The impressive crowd of 93,442 spectators significantly surpassed the previous record of 93,013 set during the 2015 Cricket World Cup final. As England entered this match having already lost the series after three consecutive defeats, their morale took a hit following reports of a “stag party” attitude among some players during a trip to Noosa between the second and third Tests.

England started brightly in the field, quickly dismantling Australia’s batting order in just 45.2 overs, causing the tea break to be taken early. However, alarm bells rang as their batting lineup faltered under pressure from Australia’s seamers. Opener Ben Duckett fell early for just two runs, driving a loose shot at Mitchell Starc, which resulted in a leading edge caught by Michael Neser at mid-on.

Things worsened for England when Joe Root was dismissed for a duck after nicking Neser behind, marking his second duck of the series. A brief resistance came from Harry Brook and Stokes, who formed a 50-run partnership, reducing the deficit to 86 runs. Yet, that partnership was short-lived as Boland spearheaded a devastating spell, taking three wickets for just 11 runs. He trapped Brook lbw for 41, bowled Jamie Smith for two with a swinging delivery, and had all-rounder Will Jacks caught for five.

With England reeling at 77 for seven, Stokes found himself burdened with the tail. His efforts were in vain as he fell for 16, edging a delivery from Neser that was caught by Smith at first slip. Neser continued his impressive performance, claiming a fourth wicket when Matthew Carse was caught for four, attempting a slog that found Boland at long leg.

The last partnership between Gus Atkinson and Tongue added a modest 19 runs for the 10th wicket, with Atkinson eventually scoring 28 before being bowled by Cameron Green. England’s innings ended in turmoil, leaving their bowlers with just one wicketless over at the Australian batters before stumps.

As the series continues, Australia holds a commanding position, while England will need to regroup and address their batting woes to stay competitive in this Test.