In a dramatic turn of events at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), England’s audacious “Bazball” tactics finally paid off, despite a significant blow to their pace attack. On the second day of the Boxing Day Ashes Test, England secured a victory inside two days, leaving Australia reeling and Test cricket purists questioning the state of the game.
The match was marked by a series of rapid developments, including the injury of England’s paceman Gus Atkinson and a contentious dismissal involving Australia’s Marnus Labuschagne. Here’s a closer look at the key moments that defined the day.
England’s Pace Attack Under Siege
Heading into the Ashes, much was expected from England’s pace attack, albeit with concerns over their health. These concerns proved prescient as England’s pacemen succumbed to injuries one by one. Mark Wood was ruled out after just one Test, and Jofra Archer followed suit after three, sidelined by a side strain post-Adelaide.
Gus Atkinson, who entered the series under an injury cloud, showcased his prowess on day one by dismissing Scott Boland early on day two. However, his triumph was short-lived. Atkinson pulled up clutching his left hamstring after delivering a ball at just 98.1 kph and was forced to leave the field, not to return.
Controversial Dismissal of Marnus Labuschagne
Marnus Labuschagne’s morning at the MCG was fraught with challenges. Twice struck on the index finger by Ben Stokes in the same over, Labuschagne’s discomfort was palpable. His frustration peaked when he edged a Josh Tongue delivery to Joe Root. Labuschagne was convinced the ball hadn’t carried, while Root and England were equally certain it had.
Initial replays were inconclusive, prompting Jason Gillespie on ABC Sport to remark,
“That’s clearly bounced,”
only to later concede,
“I think I jumped the gun. That’s out.”
TV umpire Ahsan Raza confirmed the dismissal, stating,
“I can see fingers clearly under the ball.”
Labuschagne, unconvinced, exited the field, discarding his chewing gum in frustration.
Australia’s Middle Order Collapse
Despite a relatively calm start to the day, Australia’s middle order collapsed spectacularly just before lunch. The Aussies lost 3-6 in a mere 11 balls, plummeting from 3-82 to 6-88. Brydon Carse, previously inconsistent, struck by bowling Travis Head with a superb delivery. Usman Khawaja followed, playing a reckless shot to Ollie Pope at fine leg off Josh Tongue’s bowling. Carse then claimed Alex Carey’s wicket, leaving Australia in disarray.
Steve Smith and Cameron Green attempted to stabilize the innings with a 31-run partnership, but Green’s unexpected dismissal triggered another collapse. From 6-119, Australia crumbled to 132 all out, losing 4-13 in just 22 balls.
Bazball’s Aggressive Approach
Critics have long questioned the merits of Bazball, but England’s approach in this match demonstrated its potential. Brendon McCullum and Ben Stokes have maintained that their aggressive style is situational, and the fourth innings showcased its effectiveness. With the pitch more playable post-heavy roller, England’s openers Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett capitalized, scoring rapidly from the outset.
Despite the unconventional appearance, their aggressive stance paid off, with England’s openers amassing 51 runs in seven overs before Duckett was bowled by Mitch Starc.
Unconventional Line-up Changes
England’s boldest move came when Brydon Carse, typically a number nine batter, was sent in at number three after the first wicket fell. Carse’s intent was clear as he swung aggressively at every opportunity. Although his stint was brief, yielding only six runs before being caught by Cameron Green off Jhye Richardson, the move epitomized England’s fearless strategy.
This victory at the MCG represents a significant triumph for England’s Bazball tactics, but it also raises questions about the future of Test cricket. As the series progresses, the implications of such aggressive play will continue to unfold, leaving fans and experts alike pondering the evolving nature of the game.
