Cricket: How The Drama Unfolded In The Fourth Test At The MCG

THE FIRST real indication that yesterday's play might provide something out of the ordinary came with England's last-wicket stand. Alan Mullally and Angus Fraser had scored just five runs between them in the series before yesterday's second innings, but they proceeded to add what proved to be a vital 23 runs.

Even so, there was no indication of the drama to come as the home side set off towards their target of 175. As viewers and listeners were tuning in at breakfast time back in England, Australia were making steady progress. At 130 for the loss of just three wickets they were within 45 runs of their third victory in the series. One spectacular piece of fielding, however, was about to change the course of the match...

Alan Mullally puts sting in the England tail

6.44 (GMT)

Langer c Ramprakash b Mullally.......................................30 Australia 103-3, 72 to win

7.19

M Waugh c Hick b Headley 43

Australia 130-4, 45 to win

7.31

Lehmann c Hegg b Headley 4 Australia 140-5, 35 to win

7.40

Healy c Hick, b Headley 0 Australia 140-6, 35 to win

7.43

Fleming lbw b Headley 0 Australia 140-6, 35 to win

8.24

Nicholson c Hegg b Headley 9 Australia 161-8, 14 to win

8.29

MacGill b Gough 0

Australia 162-9, 13 to win

8.32

McGrath, lbw b Gough...............0 Australia 162 all out, England win by 12 runs

Photographs: Allsport/Empics/BSkyB