England win staggering two-day Test in Melbourne

England's captain Ben Stokes (ESPNcricinfo)

England ended an 18-match 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 ahead of 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, a four-wicket victory delighting thousands of travelling fans who finally had 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 hosts for 132 in their second innings at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). Brydon Carse claimed 4-34 and captain Ben Stokes took 3-24, stepping up after Gus Atkinson was sidelined with a hamstring injury and is now a doubt for the fifth Test.
Adding to the silliness, Carse then arrived as a pinch-hitter at number three after Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett blasted 51 runs in just 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 pocket of England supporters at the end of a breathtaking day.
Where to start making sense of this chaotic, frantic and unforgettable Boxing Day match? This was the 2,615th Test on record and just the 27th to finish inside two days.
Until this series began in Perth in November, there had been no two-day Tests in Ashes cricket since 1921. Now there have been two in five weeks — the first series between any teams to contain two two-day Tests since 1896.
Was the pitch, covered in a lush 10mm of grass, suitable for Test cricket? It undoubtedly favoured the ball over the bat, at times bordering on unfair. Still, that takes nothing away from the quality of the bowling, nor does it excuse some of the batting — with Australia especially culpable.
Test cricket is a rich tapestry; no other sport has such variance in conditions exerting such influence over outcomes. On this occasion, the conditions may have produced cricket of questionable quality, but the theatre was utterly compelling.
Yes, there was disappointment at missing a third-day sellout at the colossal MCG, yet the near 200,000 spectators who attended across two days could not say they were anything other than royally entertained.
At the end of it all, England claimed their first Test win in Australia in almost 15 years. It came after surrendering the series inside three Tests and amid reports of excessive drinking during a break in Noosa.
The victory may ease the pressure on captain Stokes, coach Brendon McCullum and director of cricket Rob Key. At the very least, it gives England greats Stokes and Joe Root their first Test win in Australia after 12 years of trying.
On this surface, attack proved the best form of defence — ideal for an England team that “runs towards the danger”. Criticised earlier in the series for failing to adapt, this was the perfect stage for Bazball.
Duckett, who has endured a difficult tour with the bat — compounded by the circulation of a video appearing to show him drunk in Noosa — was loudly backed by travelling fans as he clipped and slashed England to a rapid start, even scooping Michael Neser over the wicketkeeper for six.
Crucially, Duckett was dropped by a diving Mitchell Starc on eight when England were 13 without loss. Reprieved, he provided vital momentum before being yorked by Starc.
Carse’s promotion from number 10 to number three was astonishing as England sought further impetus from a pinch-hitter. By then, Crawley was in full flow, launching Neser straight down the ground for six.
Carse managed only six before top-edging to third man, and Bethell’s arrival ushered in a more orthodox approach. His partnership of 47 with Crawley was built astutely, the pair taking singles against a deep Australian field.
Crawley was trapped lbw by Scott Boland with 63 still required. Bethell remained unflappable on his Ashes debut, adding a further 25 with Root before slapping Boland to cover.
It would have been fitting for either Root or Stokes to be at the crease for the winning moment, but both fell with victory in sight. There was a flicker of tension when Jamie Smith faced his first ball with 10 needed, only for his clip off Starc for three to bring the Barmy Army to its feet.
Victory was sealed in the following over, England’s players streaming on to the field to acknowledge supporters who filled this cathedral of Australian sport with joyful song.
Beginning the day 46 runs behind, England needed to continue the frenetic pace of a 20-wicket opening day to stay in the contest. Their bowlers once again exploited the conditions, absorbing the loss of Atkinson, who limped off after having nightwatchman Boland caught behind.
Only when Travis Head made 46 — the highest individual score of the match — did Australia threaten to escape. Will Jacks’ drop at point when Head was on 26 could have been costly in such a low-scoring game.
Carse found his length for his finest spell of the series, bowling Head with a beauty. Josh Tongue finished with seven wickets in the match, while Stokes bowled within himself but found the perfect rhythm for the surface.
Though wicketkeeper Smith and the slip cordon were often set deep, England caught superbly. At various points Australia lost three wickets for six runs, three for two, and finally four for 13, leaving Steve Smith stranded on 24 not out.
Australia were bowled out twice in just 79.5 overs — the fastest they have lost 20 wickets in a Test since Don Bradman’s debut in 1928.
(BBC Sport)