Cricket: England Win Staggering Two-Day Test In Melbourne

England ended their winless streak in Australia and avoided an Ashes clean sweep in a staggering and absurd two-day Test in Melbourne.

In one of the most bizarre matches ever played, England chased 175 to win on the second evening of the fourth Test, leaving the series at 3-1 before the finale in Sydney.

In devilishly difficult batting conditions, England’s Bazballers revelled in the chaos as they finally found a situation in Australia to suit their freewheeling method.

They reached their target inside 33 overs, England’s four-wicket victory delighting the thousands of travelling fans who finally have something to celebrate on a hitherto miserable tour.

The chance of a first Test victory in Australia since 2011 was created when England dismissed the home side for 132 in their second innings at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG).

Brydon Carse claimed 4-34 and captain Ben Stokes 3-24 to cover for the loss of Gus Atkinson, who is a doubt for the fifth Test after sustaining a hamstring injury.

To add to the silliness, Carse then arrived as a pinch-hitter at number three after Crawley and Ben Duckett struck 51 in 6.5 overs – England’s highest opening partnership of the series.

Crawley made 37, Duckett 34 and Jacob Bethell justified his recall with a classy 40.

The winning runs came off the thigh pad of Harry Brook, drawing a deafening roar from the corner of England supporters at the end of a breathtaking day.