Australia vs England, 4th Test at Melbourne – The Ashes 2025, Day 2 Match Report
Day two of the fourth Ashes Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground was full of fast-paced action, frequent reviews, and relentless pressure from both sides as England fought back strongly despite Australia sealing the series.
Australia's First Innings Collapse
Australia resumed their innings, looking to build stability, and found runs hard to come by against the disciplined English bowling. The hosts managed to reach 50 in 13.3 overs with Travis Head leading the resistance. At the drinks break, Australia were 51/2, with Head on 28 and Marnus Labuschagne on 7.
Yet, before lunch, England hit back incisively. The wickets fell in bunches as Australia slumped to 98/6 at lunch, with Steve Smith not out on 16 and Cameron Green on 6. The hundred was raised in the 25.2 overs, but that brought no respite as England continued to hold sway.
A pivotal moment came in over 26.5, when England successfully reviewed a decision to dismiss Steve Smith, who was ruled out LBW by umpire HDPK Dharmasena. The Australian resistance soon folded, and they were bowled out for 132 in 34.3 overs, Smith top-scoring with 24.
Aggressive England Response
England started their second innings with real intent. Australia sought an early review against Zak Crawley in over 4.2, but it remained with the umpire’s call. England cruised to 50 in just 6.5 overs thanks to Ben Duckett’s attacking 34.
The first wicket partnership rattled off 50 runs in 41 balls, but Australia hit back when Crawley was removed after another successful review in over 10.2. At tea England were 77/2, Crawley 22, and JG Bethell 9.
Smooth Reviews and Runs
After tea, England continued to score freely and reached 100 in 15.5 overs. Crawley's innings ended after another review in over 18.4, confirming an LBW decision once more. Never really falling behind after the loss of wickets, England's momentum was sustained with the extras coming regularly.
At drinks break, England were 141/4, with Joe Root on 12 and Harry Brook yet to score. The score moved to 150 in 27.2 overs, but soon, Root was trapped LBW after a review in over 28.4, the decision standing as umpire's call.
Record Crowd and Series Result
A full house of 92,045 at the MCG underlined the enduring appeal of the Ashes rivalry. After the spirited display of England on Day 2, Australia confirmed their dominance with a series win in the Ashes, 3–1.
Star player for England, Josh Tongue, received the Player of the Match award for his excellent bowling spells that instigated Australia's collapse and kept England in the game throughout. It was on Day 2 that England showed fight and flair, but Australia firmly in control of the series, adding yet another thrilling chapter to Ashes history.