Ashes Boxing Day Test LIVE: England's Bazball Chase with Bowler at No.3 - Epic Run Chase Update (2026)

Hold onto your hats, cricket fans! The Ashes Boxing Day Test is delivering a wild ride, with England throwing caution to the wind in pursuit of victory. We're talking 'Bazball' in full effect, and the MCG is buzzing with unexpected twists.

Here's a breakdown of the key moments:

• Duckett's Departure: Ben Duckett is out, courtesy of Mitchell Starc. England's score is now 1-51, needing 124 runs to win.
• Carse Steps Up: In a move that's raised eyebrows, Brydon Carse, a bowler, is batting at No. 3. This is where it gets interesting... England's captain, Ben Stokes, is clearly aiming for quick runs, even at the risk of losing a frontline batter early. Carse, unlike the previous No.3 Bethell, has a first-class century to his name. Even Test great Ricky Ponting approves of the decision.
• England's Aggression: England is racing towards the target, reaching 0-50 in a flash. Duckett has also achieved his 3000th Test run. They are in 'Bazball' mode, scoring 45 runs off just six overs.
• Close Calls: Duckett survived a close call, almost caught-and-bowled by Starc. The English are playing aggressively, reaching 0-25 off 3.2 overs.
• The Pitch's Influence: The pitch is proving to be a lively one. England needs 175 runs to win, and they're going for it, with Duckett taking a swing at the first ball of Starc's opening over.
• England's MCG Record: The match has been a whirlwind, with 30 wickets falling in just 111 overs. WinViz gives England a 71-29 chance of winning, but anything can happen.

Controversy Alert: Is this aggressive approach the right one? Or is it a case of boom or bust? England's record at the MCG is a factor, and they haven't won on Australian soil since 2011.

Vote: Your thoughts, folks: Do you agree with England's strategy? Let us know in the comments! Is this the future of Test cricket, or a risky gamble?