England finally ended a 14-year wait for an Ashes Test victory on Australian soil, defeating Australia by four wickets in the fourth Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on Saturday. The controversial Boxing Day Test concluded inside just two days, marking England’s first Test win in Australia since the 2010–11 Ashes series.
Chasing a modest target of 175, the Ben Stokes-led side wrapped up the match in 32.2 overs, securing a much-needed consolation win in a series that had already slipped beyond their reach.
Fast Bowlers Dominate on Spicy MCG Track
The Melbourne pitch offered significant assistance to fast bowlers throughout the Test. In a rare occurrence, not a single over was bowled by a spinner across the two days. A total of 36 wickets fell, underlining the challenging conditions for batters.
This was also the second Test of the series to finish within two days, following the opening match in Perth.
Historic Win Relieves Pressure on England Camp
The victory eased pressure on Ben Stokes and head coach Brendon McCullum, who had faced criticism over England’s inability to reclaim the Ashes despite Australia not fielding their strongest XI consistently.
Notably, this marked the first Test win in Australia for both Stokes and Joe Root as players. England’s previous success Down Under came under Sir Andrew Strauss during the 2010–11 series.
After sealing the win, the England players gathered at the centre of the ground to acknowledge the Barmy Army, whose unwavering support stood out during a difficult tour.
Day 2 Turnaround Seals the Match
Heading into Day 2, Australia held a slim advantage, leading by 46 runs with all ten wickets intact. Travis Head once again looked dangerous, but Brydon Carse shifted momentum by bowling him for 46, triggering a rapid collapse.
Australia were dismissed for 132, leaving England with a manageable target. Stand-in captain Steve Smith remained unbeaten on 24 as wickets tumbled around him.
Bazball on Display in the Chase
England began the chase aggressively, with Ben Duckett and Zak Crawley (37) setting the tone by attacking the Australian pacers. Duckett smashed 34 off 26 balls before being bowled by a pinpoint yorker from Mitchell Starc.
Australia picked up quick wickets, including Joe Root (15) and Stokes (2), but the breakthroughs came too late. Jacob Bethell (40) and Harry Brook (18)* calmly guided England home with four wickets to spare.
How the Match Unfolded
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England won the toss and bowled first on a grass-covered surface
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Australia were dismissed for 152, with Josh Tongue claiming five wickets
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England responded poorly, folding for 110, conceding a 42-run lead
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Michael Neser (4 wickets) and Scott Boland (3) led Australia’s bowling effort
Despite Australia holding the upper hand early, England produced a strong comeback on Day 2 to clinch the Test.
What’s Next
The fifth and final Ashes Test will be played at the Sydney Cricket Ground, beginning January 4.
