Australia fried at the MCG

Australia skittled for record low against England at MCG, tourists build 59-run lead without loss.

MELBOURNE:

England were closing in on the Ashes after routing Australia for 98 and cruising to a 59-run first-innings lead on the opening day of the fourth Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). England skittled Australia for their lowest total in 133 years of Ashes Tests at the MCG and rubbed further salt into the wounds by skating to 157 without loss by stumps.

James Anderson (4-44) and Chris Tremlett (4-26) did the damage, while wicket-keeper Matt Prior took six catches as all the Australian wickets fell to catches off edges behind the wicket.

“In an Ashes series to bowl Australia out for less than 100 and then be 150 for none at the end of play is just unheard of, really,” said Anderson.

“Today was when all those bits of luck came together and we got the nicks that we’ve missed in the past. It was one of those days where everything came off.”

Australia slumped to their lowest MCG total in 54 Ashes Tests since their 104 in the second innings of the very first Test at the famous ground in 1877.

At stumps, England were taking it easy against the Australian attack in easier pitch conditions with skipper Andrew Strauss unbeaten on 64 and Alastair Cook on 80.

“England outplayed us and it was a tough day, but fortunately there’s four days left in this Test match, so it’s really important we come out tomorrow and show that intent,” said Australian vice-captain Michael Clarke.

“We have to turn up tomorrow ready to go and take 10 wickets.”

Only five batsmen reached double-figures as the English pacemen revelled in the swinging conditions to destroy the Australian innings.

Ponting’s wretched Ashes series continued with another cheap dismissal for 10, while Mike Hussey suffered his first batting failure of the series with eight.

England need to win only one of the remaining two Tests to retain the Ashes.

Published in The Express Tribune, December 27th, 2010.