England avoid Ashes whitewash as fourth Test ends inside two days

It was England's first Test victory in Australia for 15 years, ending an 18-match winless run on Australian soil and reducing the hosts' series lead to 3-1 with one match remaining.

The contest, played on a green and bouncy MCG pitch, became only the third Ashes Test in 104 years to finish inside two days.

Resuming their second innings on 4/0 on Saturday morning, Australia were dismissed for 132 as the match continued at a rapid pace.

From 81-3, the hosts lost 3-6 in quick succession before another sharp collapse of 3-2 from 119-6 ended the innings shortly after lunch. Travis Head top-scored with 46, while Brydon Carse led England's attack with 4-34.

The innings followed a dramatic opening day in which Australia were bowled out for 152 and England replied with 110, on a pitch that has attracted criticism and may yet be assessed by the ICC.

Set 175 for victory, England's batting lineup finally delivered as they completed the chase in 32.2 overs to secure the four-wicket win.

Zak Crawley (37 off 48) and Ben Duckett (34 off 26) put on an opening stand of 51 at an aggressive pace, with Duckett benefiting from a dropped chance by Mitchell Starc on eight.

England maintained that approach throughout, with Duckett, Crawley and Jacob Bethell (40 off 46) scoring freely despite the bowler-friendly conditions.

There were late nerves after Bethell fell and Joe Root and Ben Stokes were dismissed in quick succession, but Harry Brook (18 not out) and Jamie Smith (3 not out) guided England home to complete the win.

The series concludes with the fifth Test in Sydney from Sunday, January 4. England fast bowler Gus Atkinson is unlikely to feature after sustaining a hamstring injury in Melbourne.

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