That makes it the biggest ever attendance at the MCG, topping the 2015 World Cup final. Brydon Carse, who probably owed his selection to Jofra Archer’s side strain, was less disciplined and soon gave way to Tongue at the Shane Warne Stand end. Marnus Labuschagne was next, edging Tongue just in front of the cordon before being beaten even more decisively with the next ball. From shaky ground at 72 for four, Australia lost their next six between lunch and tea as they failed to measure up. For once it was all going right, though, Mitchell Starc slogging Carse over mid-on, with Stokes back-tracking to gather an excellent catch.

Source: Express December 26, 2025 04:36 UTC