Australia’s nightwatchman Scott Boland remained unbeaten on four runs while Travis Head was yet to open his account as the hosts finished the day at four for no loss in their second innings, holding a 46-run lead over England.
Following England’s collapse for 110 in response to Australia’s first innings total of 152, the day saw the highest number of wickets fall at the MCG since 1902 when a record 25 wickets were taken during an Ashes match.
Josh Tongue delivered a stellar performance with figures of 5-45 to dismiss Australia on the grassy pitch after England captain Ben Stokes opted to field first. However, England’s batsmen suffered a more disastrous collapse in their innings.
The spectacle of wickets falling continuously captivated a crowd of 93,442, surpassing the previous attendance record of 93,013 set during the 2015 World Cup final at the same venue.
England, already defeated in the series after three consecutive losses, entered the match under scrutiny following reports of a lackadaisical approach during a trip to Noosa between the second and third tests.
Despite a strong start in the field, England’s top order crumbled under pressure as Australia’s seamers dominated the proceedings. The early dismissals included Ben Duckett, Jacob Bethell, Zak Crawley, and captain Joe Root, who fell for a duck.
A resilient partnership between Harry Brook and Stokes briefly steadied England’s innings before a triple-strike from Boland dismantled their hopes. Stokes’ valiant efforts were in vain as he departed for 16, leaving England reeling at 77 for seven.
Michael Neser shone with the ball, claiming crucial wickets to restrict England’s lower order. A determined last-wicket stand by Gus Atkinson and Tongue provided a glimmer of hope for England, but their resistance was ultimately broken by Cameron Green.
As the day drew to a close, Australia’s bowlers managed to survive one wicketless over from England’s attack, setting the stage for an intriguing continuation of the test match.
