Scott Boland struck a crucial blow for Australia as Harry Brook was trapped lbw for 41, leaving England five wickets down and in deeper trouble on Day 1 of the fourth Ashes Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.
Bowling from around the wicket, Boland produced a full delivery that straightened just enough to beat Brook’s bat. The England batter was caught on the crease, and umpire Chris Gaffaney had little hesitation in raising the finger. Brook reviewed briefly but eventually walked off after a brisk 41 off 34 balls, which included two fours and two sixes.
This dismissal comes after England’s top order collapsed earlier in the innings. Mitchell Starc removed Ben Duckett cheaply, Michael Neser dismissed Joe Root for a duck, and Crawley and Bethell also fell inside the first five overs, reducing England to 16/4. Brook attempted to counterattack with positive intent, briefly reviving hopes with a 50-run stand, but Boland’s breakthrough has once again tilted the momentum firmly in Australia’s favour.
At the time of Brook’s dismissal, England were 66/5 in 16.5 overs, still trailing Australia’s first-innings total of 152 by 86 runs, with conditions continuing to assist the Australian quicks.
