Ashes 4th Test: Bowlers Dominate at MCG as Pitch Comes Under Fire
Michael Vaughan, Australia vs England, 4th Test: Former England captain Michael Vaughan has questioned the Melbourne pitch. Vaughan says such pitches are shortening Test cricket and damaging the dignity of the game.
The fourth Test of the 2025-26 Ashes series between Australia and England is underway at the historic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). Fast bowlers are currently dominating the match, largely due to the four-millimeter grass covering the pitch. With less than two days completed, 26 wickets have already fallen.
Australia, batting first, was all out for 152 runs in 45.2 overs. England's first innings was even more disappointing, as they were bowled out for just 110 runs. In the second innings, Australia is struggling, having lost six wickets for 114 runs at the time of this report.
Former England captain Michael Vaughan has raised questions about the Melbourne pitch. Vaughan says such pitches are shortening Test cricket and damaging the dignity of the game. Vaughan wrote on the social media platform X, "This pitch is a joke. It's shortening the game... It's unfair to everyone, players, broadcasters, and most importantly, fans. 26 wickets fell in just 98 overs!"
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Australia's second innings saw no other batsman get off to a good start except opener Travis Head. Head scored 46 runs off 67 balls, including four fours. Boland, who came in as a nightwatchman to open the batting, scored six runs, Jake Weatherald scored five, Marnus Labuschagne scored eight, Alex Carey scored four, and Usman Khawaja returned to the pavilion without opening his account. Cameron Green is at the crease with 16 runs and captain Steve Smith with 17. Australia has taken a lead of 156 runs.
