AUSTRALIA has hit a new low in the Ashes series, dismissed for just 98 runs in less than 43 overs.Before a crowd estimated at more than 80,000 the Australians were bowled for 98 - their lowest ever first innings total in a Melbourne Test against England.
England wicketkeeper Matt Prior snared six catches as pace trio Chris Tremlett (4-26), Jimmy Anderson (4-44) and Tim Bresnan (2-25) conspired to dismiss Australia for under 100 on the MCG for the first time.
The disastrous Australian innings was:
- Australia's lowest innings total against England at the MCG, beating the 104 in 1876-77 (pre-Ashes)
- The second time this year Australia has scored less than 100 in a Test innings, following their 88 in the second Test against Pakistan at Headingley.
- Australia's lowest first-innings total in a Test at the MCG.
- Australia's second-lowest innings total for an MCG Test. The lowest was 83 in the second innings against India in 1981. India won the match by 59 runs.
Only a rain delay of 50 minutes slowed the Australian demise.
The players went to lunch five minutes early when a shower hit with the home side reeling at 4-58.
When hostilities resumed 45 minutes later after the scheduled restart, Australia lost 6-40, including three wickets in 35 deliveries without a run being scored against the relentless English attack.
For England captain Andrew Strauss it was a heaven sent toss to win. He eagerly sent the home side in on the green-tinged, grassy MCG pitch and his bowlers did the rest....
