By JOSH ALSTON, SENIOR SPORT REPORTER, AUSTRALIA

Updated: 23:40 EST, 26 December 2025

Over 14: England 2-95 (trail by 79)

Really frustrating for Neser, a couple of decent chances go through the slips without reaching a fielder, one going for a boundary. Lady luck is riding England home at the MCG

Over 13: England 2-85 (trail by 89)

A mix of old and new from Bethell, opening with an audacious ramp shot before delivering a perfect, crisp cover drive for four. He is trying to rattle Boland the ‘keeper and it is working

TEA: England 2-77 (trail by 97)

Ian Botham

‘They look good and they are playing well and the best way to play they have been talking about it for a year or so, if you want to call it Bazball or whatever, you have to be positive. They did that, they had a bit luck, but they got the start they needed. They should be able to capitalise on that.’

Daily Mail Chief Cricket Correspondent Lawrence Booth in Melbourne

Another breathless session yields six wickets and 111 runs, with England reaching tea at 77 for two in pursuit of 175 to register their first Test win in Australia since January 2011. Ben Duckett basically decided he had nothing to lose, and cracked 34 off 26, before Brydon Carse made seven as a pinch-hitter at No 3. This game has been so wild that it’s hard to imagine there won’t be further twists after the break.

Over 11: England 2-76 (trail by 98)

A very busy Boland over, but this remains England’s match to lose

REVIEW: Crawley 22 LBW Boland

The second ball of Boland’s spell and we have a third umpire review for LBW. No bat involved. Pitching outside the line, so Crawley bats on

Over 10: England 2-70 (trail by 104)

The top edge to third man seems to be the most popular shot of the day as Bethel gets in on the action. Boland into the attack, much to the joy of the Aussies in the stands

WICKET: Carse c Green b Richardson

The pinch hitter experiment is over. Green didn’t look super confident under the high ball, but the catch is taken and Richardson has his first Test wicket in four years

Over 9: England 1-61 (trail by 113)

Speaking on the decision to pitch Carse in at No.3, the commentary team recalled the time Jason Gillespie was sent in at first drop as nightwatchman against Bangladesh and scored a Test double ton

Ricky Ponting

‘He made 200, ran me out along the way, never got picked again.’

Damien Fleming

‘He says he was that scared after running out to go back in dressing rooms. That is why he batted for two days.’

Over 8: England 1-56 (trail by 118)

Starc to continue, still no Boland

Over 7: England 1-51 (trail by 123)

Now what is going on here? Fast bowler Brydon Carse has been sent out to the middle at first drop.

Ricky Ponting

‘I don’t mind it, to be honest. It is not a conventional thing but nothing has been this whole series.’

WICKET: Duckett 34 b Starc

To say the Australians needed this would be an understatement. Captain Steve Smith resisted the urge to bring in Boland sooner and Starc gets the breakthrough they need. A perfect yorker clatters his stumps and the opening stand has been broken

Over 6: England 0-45 (trail by 129)

Neser really getting the treatment here. A lucky top edge for four, a ramp for six, Duckett is treating the Aussie seamer with disdain. Gone for 26 from three overs

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Ashes LIVE: Shocking Aussie collapse gifts England chance to win first Ashes Test on Australian soil since 2010 as Boxing Day match goes down to the wire – on day two