AUS vs ENG 4th Test Results

7:10 AM IST It is now time to hear from the young Jacob Bethell, who contributed with a composed 40 off 46 in the run chase. He says it was lovely to come in to bat and make an impact. Adds that it feels quicker when the ball is nipping around. Shares that they identified that it was doing a lot. Admits that he didn't show the conviction to hit the bowlers off their lengths in the first innings but he tried to improve on that in the second innings. Highlights that when you are chasing such totals, it is important to be proactive with the bat and get the job done. Shares that it's been special to have his parents supporting him in the crowd. About batting with Root, he mentions that it's always a surreal feeling to share the crease with someone like him. Also shares that he bumped into him a few times on the circuit and that their dads have actually played together. On being asked about how he takes this experience forward, Bethell talks about learning from the moments that went well and taking the confidence forward by also understanding what worked under pressure. Is hopeful that it is something on which he can build the rest of his career.

7:07 AM IST Josh Tongue is the PLAYER OF THE MATCH for picking 7 wickets in the game, including a five-wicket haul in the first innings. Shares that this is what dreams are made of, waking up on Boxing Day knowing you’re going to play at the MCG. Admits that there were a few nerves, but it’s a special feeling to get on the honours board. Tells that the Barmy Army have been unbelievable over the past four games, and it’s an amazing feeling to have done it for them. Mentions that a few years ago he was in a tough place with his body and even thought about retiring, so to be here now is incredibly special. States that all the bowlers were exceptional, and to win here at the MCG is something he can’t put into words.

7:06 AM IST The captain of Australia, Steve Smith, reflects on the defeat. Calls it a tricky one, expressing his disappointment at losing the game. He feels that 50 or 60 more runs would have made things more interesting. Tells that England bowled really well this morning and were aggressive with the bat as well. Details that they softened up the ball a bit. Adds that the wicket played as expected, but once the ball softened, it didn't quite behave as the way they had hoped. On being asked about his opinion on the pitch, Smith admits that it was a tricky one and probably did a bit too much as 36 wickets in two days is a lot. Also adds that maybe taking a bit of grass off would have made it even. Ends by accepting that's how it was and they just needed to adapt.

7:04 AM IST A two-day finish for the second time in the series, but this time, it was England who ended up on the winning side, and they will be pleased to have pulled one back. We have witnessed 13 days of cricket across the four Tests, and let’s hope we are treated to a grandstand finish in the New Year’s Test in Sydney. The fifth and final Test will take place at the Sydney Cricket Ground from Sunday, 4 January, with the first ball scheduled to be bowled at 11.30 pm GMT (the previous day). There is plenty of cricket to look forward to in the meantime, with franchise leagues taking centre stage across the globe. Greetings from us for the New Year. Take care, and cheers!

7:04 AM IST Did the pitch really ease during the afternoon session, or did the initial assault that pushed the quicks off their lengths simply make it appear that way? Either way, there was still enough in the surface to keep the pacers interested, but Australia needed wickets in clusters to mount a serious challenge, and that never materialised. Neither Crawley nor Bethell could finish the job themselves, and England carried the weight of history after failing to close out a chase earlier in the year at The Oval against India. However, Joe Root and Harry Brook calmed any nerves with a handy little stand, and though Root could not be there till the end, Brook saw the job through to seal the victory.

7:00 AM IST With 175 to get on a track that had quickened up on Day 2 and one where you were never really set as a batter, Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett made their intentions clear straight away and took the attack to the Australian quicks. They succeeded in pushing the pacers off their usual lengths and shrugged off any early nerves. Duckett fell after setting the tone, but his innings forced Steve Smith to spread the field, with Australia not having many runs to play with. While the move to promote Brydon Carse at number three did not come off, Crawley and Jacob Bethell then came together, toned down the aggression, and chipped away at the target against in-and-out fields.