England were right back in the fight in the England vs. Australia Boxing Day Test, embarking on a bold and exhilarating run-chase on a dramatic second day at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG).
Chasing 175 to win, England reached 77 for two at tea, sensing a rare chance to secure a Test victory on Australian soil for the first time in nearly 15 years.
With both sides bowled out on the opening day, the match has raced along at extraordinary speed. Similar rapid finishes have become a talking point in recent England vs Australia cricket scores, and this contest appears to be following the same dramatic pattern.
What made day two of the Eng vs Aus Test so extraordinary?
Day two saw a staggering 26 wickets fall in just four sessions, underlining how hostile the conditions have been for batters.
England resumed with one clear task: finish off Australia quickly. They did exactly that, dismissing the hosts for 132 inside 35 overs, after adding the final 10 wickets ruthlessly.
This left England chasing a modest but tricky target on a pitch described by commentators as a “seamer’s paradise”, with movement on offer throughout the day.
“These are conditions where courage matters as much as technique,” said a former England international on BBC Test Match Special.
How did England’s bowlers turn the game around?
England’s bowlers delivered one of their most effective spells in Australia in recent memory.
Key bowling moments:
- Gus Atkinson removed nightwatcher Scott Boland early before leaving the field with a left hamstring injury
- Ben Stokes made an immediate impact, bowling Jake Weatherald with a sharp delivery from around the wicket
- Josh Tongue dismissed both Marnus Labuschagne and Usman Khawaja
- Brydon Carse claimed three wickets in a six-run burst, including two ducks in consecutive balls
Australia collapsed from 98 for six at lunch to being all out shortly after, losing their final four wickets for just 34 runs.
Why was Travis Head’s wicket such a turning point?
Travis Head, Australia’s most consistent batter in the series, once again tried to counter-attack. He looked set to shift momentum, reaching 45 and surviving an early dropped chance.
However, Carse produced a delivery that swung from leg to off, clipping the bails in what many described as the ball of the match.
That dismissal triggered visible nerves in the Australian camp and opened the door fully for England.
How did England approach the run-chase?
England’s reply was anything but cautious.
Early attacking intent:
- Ben Duckett struck boundaries off Mitchell Starc early, scoring 34 from 26 balls
- Zak Crawley smashed a straight six off Michael Neser, lifting England’s confidence
- Duckett survived several near-misses before being bowled by Starc at pace
One of the day’s more unusual moments followed, as Brydon Carse was sent in as a surprise replacement before Jacob Bethell eventually took guard. The gamble brought quick runs but underlined England’s all-out attacking mindset.
By tea, England were 77 for two, needing 98 more runs with eight wickets in hand.
How rare would an England Test win in Australia be?
An England victory in Melbourne would be historically significant. England have not won a Test match in Australia since 2011, enduring a winless streak that has spanned three Ashes tours and 18 consecutive Tests on Australian soil.
Australia 61-2 to 132-10
England are in with their best realistic chance to win a Test in Australia in nearly 16 years.
If they win, Baz is going nowhere #Ashes pic.twitter.com/QXZexwWcDM
— The Cricket Express (@TheYorkerBall) December 27, 2025
That period has included several heavy defeats and long spells of frustration for travelling England sides.
Should England complete the chase, it would mark their first Boxing Day Test win at the MCG since 2010, making it one of the most meaningful results in the modern history of the England vs Australia rivalry.
