The Ashes | MCG Test: England's batting struggles continue as visitors get bowled out for 185

England’s batting struggles in the Ashes series continued as they were bundled out for 185 in the first innings of the third Test in Melbourne on Sunday, 26 December.

The visitors had a dismal start to the proceedings and were 13/2 when Dawid Malan was joined by skipper Joe Root in the middle and the two batters tried to provide the resistance as they had been doing in the series for a while. 

The left-right batting duo put 48 runs for the third wicket before Malan’s resistance was dismantled by Pat Cummins after sending him back to the pavilion for 14 off 66. Later, Root also followed Malan in a short span after he was undone for 50 by Mitchell Starc. 

While the wickets kept tumbling at the other end, Jonny Bairstow tried to hold the fort from one end but couldn’t resist for a long time and was dismissed for a 75-ball 35 by Starc, leaving England struggling at 159/8. 

Later, Ollie Robinson and Jack Leach tried to chip in with small contributions before the side was bowled out. While Robinson struck 22 off 26, Leach scored 13 off 18. 

For Australia, it was captain Cummins and off-spinner Nathan Lyon who picked up three wickets each while Starc had a couple of dismissals to his name. Debutant Scott Boland and Cameron Green also scalped a wicket apiece during the course. 

The Australian side had already clinched wins in the first two Tests and lead the five-match series 2-0.