In a remarkable turnaround on a bowler-dominated pitch at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, England secured a four-wicket win over Australia in the fourth Ashes Test, completing the match in just two days. This triumph marked England’s first Test victory on Australian soil since the 2010-11 series, providing a significant boost for captain Ben Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum amid a challenging tour where the Ashes were already retained by the hosts.
The Boxing Day Test showcased extreme conditions with 10mm of grass left on the surface, favouring seam movement throughout. No spin bowling was employed across the entire game, and a staggering 36 wickets tumbled over the two days.
England won the toss and elected to field, a decision that paid immediate dividends. Josh Tongue led the attack brilliantly, claiming five wickets as Australia were restricted to 152 in their first innings. However, the hosts hit back strongly, with Michael Neser taking four wickets and Scott Boland three, dismissing England for 110 and establishing a 42-run lead.
Resuming on Day 2, with Australia holding a 42-run advantage and all wickets intact after a brief overnight spell, the visitors faced a daunting task. Travis Head threatened to accelerate, reaching 46 and rotating strike effectively, but Brydon Carse’s breakthrough, cleaning up Head, triggered a collapse. Carse finished with four wickets, supported by Stokes’ three, as stand-in captain Steve Smith was left unbeaten on 24 in Australia’s second-innings total of 132. This set England a target of 175.
The chase embodied England’s aggressive approach, with openers Ben Duckett and Zak Crawley attacking from the outset, treating pacers Mitchell Starc and Neser with disdain. Duckett raced to 34 off 26 deliveries before falling to a precise yorker from Starc, while Crawley contributed 37. Quick dismissals of Joe Root (15) and Stokes (2) raised tensions, but young Jacob Bethell’s composed 40, alongside Harry Brook’s unbeaten 18, guided England to victory.
Post-match, the England players gathered on the field to applaud the loyal Barmy Army supporters, who had endured a difficult series. Stokes appeared visibly relieved, basking in the acclaim after a win that eased pressure after being criticised for the series outcome despite Australia’s absences in key personnel.
This result prevents a potential whitewash and offers momentum heading into the final Test at Sydney, starting January 4.
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