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Wickets continue to fall at a frantic pace in Boxing Day Test, England Australia were reduced to 98 for six in their second innings on a vicious pitch at the Melbourne Cricket Club.
After both teams were eliminated on day one, the tourists once again fought back to take 26 wickets in four games.
Australia’s lead stood at 140 runs at the break and every run on a fantastic pitch was precious for the seamers. josh tongue and Brendan Cass Each person took two, one each Ben Stokes and Gus Atkinsonalthough the latter left the game with hamstring pain, casting some doubt on his continued role in the game.
England were once again handed the new ball to Karce, but he responded erratically and failed to make the most of the favorable conditions. Atkinson was both neat and expensive in a way, but he did get things rolling by beating night guard Scott Bolland with a little extra bounce when perimeter defense failed.
England’s relief was short-lived, with Atkinson stopped at the end of the morning’s fourth over. He immediately walked to the locker room holding his left leg.
His departure accelerated Stokes’ playing time, with the captain needing just five balls to get up and running, with Jack Weatherald losing his stump after a hesitant departure.
Travis Head’s ability to keep the scoreboard moving hurt England and he gave life to him by chopping his tongue towards backward point in the 26th over. Will Jacks made a stunning catch in Brisbane, extending a hand but only able to parry it.
Marnus Labuschagne was less able to cope with the conditions and therefore endured a short and painful stay. He suffered two painful blows to his gloves during a vicious over-ball by Stokes and then cut Joe Root with his tongue at first slip. He stood his ground, convinced the ball had not been played cleanly, and was furious when the television referee disagreed and allowed him to score eight.
Hyde overtook Harry Brook as the game’s top scorer with 41, but was four short of a half-century. This time it was a ripper from Kars, who bowled Australia’s in-form batsman with a powerful blow through the legs.
England took three for six, tongue flicking Usman Khawaja’s duck and slapping fine leg, with Carse having Alex Carey flashed to the off-line.