Carse, Bethell stun Australia with first England win in 15 years: 4th Test, Day 2 (MCG)

The lesser lights of this besieged England team - Brydon Carse and Jacob Bethel - delivered on Day 2 of the Boxing Day Ashes Test resulting in a stunning and swift conclusion, with England completing a rare two-day Test victory at the MCG.

Australia, resuming with a slender lead, were bundled out cheaply in their second innings as the pitch continued to offer significant assistance to the seamers. England’s bowlers led by Carse (4-34) struck early and often, ensuring the target remained modest and keeping control firmly in the visitors’ hands.

Chasing a small total, England batted with composure despite lively conditions, showing far greater application than on Day 1. Key contributions from Bethel (40) and Zak Crawley (37) at the top allowed them to reach the target with 4 wickets in hand, sealing a historic win in Melbourne and avoiding a series whitewash; the first England win in Australia since 2011.

The match, dominated throughout by fast bowlers, went down as one of the shortest and most dramatic Boxing Day Tests in Ashes history.

England 110 (Brook 41, Neser 4-45, Boland 3-30) and 178 for 6 (Bethell 40, Richardson 2-22) beat Australia 152 (Neser 35, Tongue 5-45, Atkinson 2-28) and 132 (Head 46, Carse 4-34, Stokes 3-24) by four wickets.

Dec 2025.