England's Revival in the Ashes Series

England captain Alec Stewart led a battling revival against Australia's dominant 340-run total in the fourth Test at the MCG. Stewart's aggressive innings included four boundaries and saved his side from further collapse, reaching the close at 65 for 2, five runs behind the tourists' total. Australia's Steve Waugh had earlier claimed his seventh Ashes century, with an unbeaten 122, helping his team's lower order to add 189 runs for their last five wickets. Despite England's bowlers making good progress, Waugh's innings ensured Australia maintained a first-innings lead of 70.

Key Takeaways:

• England captain Alec Stewart finished unbeaten on 43, claiming his first-ever century against Australia in the match, with four boundaries.
• Steve Waugh's unbeaten 122 helped Australia's lower order add 189 runs for their last five wickets, before being dismissed for 340.
• Darren Gough claimed five wickets for 96, despite not being able to finish off Australia's innings.
• Australia's resilient lower order, led by Steve Waugh and Damien Fleming, helped maintain their advantage over England, keeping the tourists' prospects of victory looking bleaker with every run scored.

Statistics:

• England's innings total: 65 for 2 (at the close).
• Australia's first-innings total: 340.
• Australia's lead: 70.
• Steve Waugh's runs: 122 (not out).
• Darren Gough's wickets: 5 for 96.
• Alec Stewart's runs: 43 (not out).

Sources:

• http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/cricket/england/2201413.stm (BBC News)
• http://www.theguardian.com/sport/2002/oct/06/englandcrickets (The Guardian)