Former Indian cricketer Ravichandran Ashwin has shared his views on the fourth Test of the Ashes 2025–26, which ended remarkably within two days at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. The match unfolded at an unusually rapid pace, prompting Ashwin to compare the experience to a high-speed spectacle, stating that it felt like watching a “racing thriller movie.”
The opening day itself proved extraordinary, with as many as 20 wickets falling as both Australia and England were dismissed once each. Australia found conditions challenging and, despite securing a 42-run lead, managed to set England a target of 175. Even though England had already conceded the Ashes series, they held their composure to pull off a tense four-wicket victory, bringing the Test to an abrupt conclusion on Day 2.
Pitch Conditions And The Question Of Fair Judgement
In a video shared on his YouTube channel ‘Ashwin,’ the 39-year-old spoke candidly about the ongoing debate surrounding pitch conditions. Drawing parallels with matches played in India, Ashwin pointed out the contrast in criticism, saying, “Let’s take for example how the Test finished at Eden Gardens recently. We ourselves said it. Having played cricket for several years, we criticize ourselves justly for pitches.”
“But the other countrymen are not doing the same. They are talking highly about themselves and lowly about us. Australia have produced Shane Warne and Nathan Lyon but New Zealand and England haven’t produced any great spinner yet. The beauty of Test cricket is to adapt to foreign conditions. I won’t criticize the MCG pitch either because it’s common for both teams. It was fun to watch. It was like watching a racing thriller film. But I feel double standards must be avoided.”
At the same time, both England captain Ben Stokes and Australia skipper Steve Smith expressed their dissatisfaction, stating that such conditions did not reflect well on Test cricket. This was also the second instance in the series where a Test ended inside two days.
Carse’s Brilliance And England’s Tactical Limitations
Ashwin also highlighted key moments from the match, particularly England seamer Brydon Carse’s impressive delivery to Travis Head. Speaking about the Australian batter’s dismissals, he remarked, “Travis Head got beauties in both the innings. On Day 2, Brydon Carse’s delivery to him was stunning and all Travis Head could do was walk off smiling. ICC and match referee will give marks for the pitch, curators will speak about it – all these things will happen. Again, double standards must be avoided.”
Ashwin questioned whether the pitch was intentionally prepared to accelerate the game’s outcome, adding, “Match officials and referees will talk about the pitch. There were likeable things about this pitch but if it was a pitch tried to make the game faster, I question that tactic. Australia might have asked for a lively pitch because England are 0-3 and batters might get out easily.”
Reflecting on England’s aggressive batting approach, he recalled their tactics against India in 2024 and concluded, “They stepped out to Michael Neser and Scott Boland because they don’t bowl that fast. England were able to take them on and put pressure while chasing 175. But they don’t have the bowling tooth to keep coming incisively over 4-5 days. They want short games.” The fifth and final Ashes Test is set to begin on January 4 in Sydney.
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