AUS vs ENG: 4th Ashes Test lasts 852 balls, becomes third-shortest match played in Australia

The fourth Ashes Test between Australia and England in Melbourne ended on the second day on Saturday, becoming the third-shortest match (in terms of balls bowled) completed in Australia.

The contest was completed in 852 deliveries after England chased its target of 175 runs inside 33 overs, overtaking the Test between Australia and South Africa in Brisbane in 2022, which lasted 866 deliveries. It was slightly longer than last month’s Ashes opener in Perth, which ended in 847 balls and is the second-shortest match on Australian soil.

The shortest match Down Under was played between Australia and South Africa in 1931/32, reaching a result in 656 balls.

The Melbourne Test was also the fourth-shortest in Ashes history. The shortest match played between England and Australia where a result was achieved was played in 1888 and was completed in just 788 balls.

Published on Dec 27, 2025