### England's Historic Ashes Victory: Josh Tongue's Unlikely Heroics In a thrilling conclusion to the fourth Ashes Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, England ended a 27-year wait for a Player of the Match in Australia, thanks to the remarkable performance of Josh Tongue. The 27-year-old fast bowler from Worcestershire claimed seven wickets, including a stunning 5-45 in Australia's first innings, leading England to a memorable four-wicket victory. This win not only marked a significant moment for Tongue but also revitalized England's campaign in the ongoing Ashes series, which they had been trailing 3-0 before this match [https://crictips.com/news/tongues-triumph-unlikely-hero-ended-englands-wait-199655]. ### Breakdown of the Match Events 1. **Day One Overview**: - England won the toss and elected to field first, capitalizing on a bowler-friendly pitch. - Australia struggled, finishing their first innings at just 152 runs, with Tongue taking three early wickets [https://www.straitstimes.com/sport/australia-72-4-at-lunch-in-fourth-ashes-test]. - England's response was disappointing, as they were bowled out for 110, trailing by 42 runs [https://www.devdiscourse.com/article/sports-games/3741975-update-4-cricket-england-bowled-out-for-110-in-reply-to-australias-152-in-fourth-ashes-test]. 2. **Tongue's Bowling Masterclass**: - Tongue's figures of 5-45 made him the first England bowler to achieve a five-wicket haul at the MCG in a Test match since Dean Headley in 1998 [https://ddindia.co.in/2025/12/ashes-josh-tongue-becomes-first-england-bowler-since-1998-to-take-five-for-at-mcg]. - His performance was pivotal in dismantling the Australian batting lineup, showcasing his skill and composure under pressure [https://cricketaddictor.com/cricket-news/josh-tongue-scripts-ashes-history-with-fiery-five-for-at-mcg-349061]. 3. **Match Progression**: - After a chaotic first day where 20 wickets fell, England managed to chase down the target of 153 runs, securing a four-wicket victory [https://www.devdiscourse.com/article/sports-games/3741997-update-5-cricket-australia-slightly-ahead-after-day-of-batting-carnage-at-melbourne-ashes-test]. - Tongue's overall contribution of seven wickets across both innings solidified his status as the match's standout performer [https://crictips.com/news/tongues-triumph-unlikely-hero-ended-englands-wait-199655]. ### Key Statistics and Highlights - **Josh Tongue's Bowling Figures**: - First Innings: 5 wickets for 45 runs - Second Innings: 2 wickets (exact figures not specified) - **Match Result**: England won by four wickets, marking a significant turnaround in the series. - **Historical Context**: Tongue's achievement as the first England bowler to win Player of the Match in Australia since 1998 highlights the rarity and significance of this victory [https://crictips.com/news/tongues-triumph-unlikely-hero-ended-englands-wait-199655]. ### Conclusion: A Turning Point for England **England's victory in the fourth Ashes Test, led by Josh Tongue's exceptional bowling, represents a crucial turning point in their series against Australia.** 1. **Historic Performance**: Tongue's achievement not only ended a long wait for England but also revitalized their hopes in the series. 2. **Match Dynamics**: The match showcased the volatility of Test cricket, with both teams experiencing dramatic shifts in momentum. 3. **Future Implications**: This win could serve as a catalyst for England as they look to build on this success in the remaining matches of the series [https://crictips.com/news/tongues-triumph-unlikely-hero-ended-englands-wait-199655].