England won the fourth Ashes Test in less than 32 hours, with 36 wickets falling for 572 runs off 142 overs. England won by four wickets. No player from either team managed a half-century, a feat that had not occurred in a Test match in Australia since 1932.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Jeff Crowe from the Emirates ICC Elite Panel of Match Referees explained the reasoning behind the pitch assessment. He stated, \u201cThe MCG pitch was too much in favour of the bowlers. With 20 wickets falling on the first day, 16 on the second day and no batter even reaching a half-century, the pitch was \u2018Unsatisfactory\u2019 as per the guidelines and the venue gets one demerit point.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
James Allsopp, CA Chief of Cricket, said, \u201cWe\u202fwere\u202fdisappointed\u202ffor the fans holding tickets for days three and four, and also the millions of fans excited to watch the action in Australia and around the world, that the pitch did not provide\u202fthe MCG\u2019s customary\u202fbalance\u202fbetween bat and ball. We appreciate the\u202foutstanding\u202fwork the MCC staff have done over recent years, producing\u202fexcellent\u202fTest match pitches.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\"We\u2019re\u202fconfident they will\u202fdeliver\u202ffirst-rate surfaces\u202ffor next year\u2019s NRMA Insurance Boxing Day Test against New Zealand and the\u202fhugely\u202fanticipated\u202f150th\u202fAnniversary Test against England in\u202fMarch\u202f2027.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
England won the toss and opted to bat, applying early pressure with a strong pace attack. Josh Tongue led the bowling effort, taking 5\/45, as Australia were dismissed for 152.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The visitors aimed to capitalise on the modest target but struggled to adjust to the challenging conditions, falling for 110 inside 30 overs.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The fourth Ashes Test ended in only two days, similar to the Perth Test, with spectators seeing a total of 36 wickets fall within just 142 overs.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The visitors aimed to capitalise on the modest target but struggled to adjust to the challenging conditions, falling for 110 inside 30 overs.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The final Test of the series will be played at the Sydney Cricket Ground, beginning on January 4.<\/p>\r\n\r\n