MELBOURNE, December 27 (TNF): England ended a 15-year wait for a Test victory on Australian soil with a thrilling four-wicket win in the fourth Ashes Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, restoring pride after a bruising tour and breathing new life into the series. The chaotic contest, dominated by bowlers and controversy over the pitch, wrapped up inside just two days in front of more than 92,000 spectators.
According to our correspondent in Melbourne, England completed the chase of 175 runs shortly after lunch on Saturday after dismissing Australia for 132 in their second innings. The win marked England’s first Test success in Australia since January 2011 and snapped a run of 16 defeats and two draws Down Under.
England batter Harry Brook remained unbeaten on 18, while Jamie Smith stayed not out on three as England crossed the line to loud celebrations from their travelling “Barmy Army.” Contributions from Jacob Bethell, who scored 40, and Zak Crawley, who added 37, proved decisive in a tense chase.
England captain Ben Stokes praised his side’s resilience after heavy criticism earlier in the series. “It’s a good feeling after a tough tour,” Stokes said. “There was a lot of noise around us, but the players and staff stayed focused on cricket. I’m very proud of how brave and courageous we were.”
England arrived in Melbourne under intense pressure after losing the first three Tests. Questions had surrounded their preparation, discipline, and focus, especially following reports of excessive socialising during a mid-series break. The emphatic response at the MCG silenced critics and ensured England head to Sydney for the final Test with renewed confidence.
The match unfolded at breakneck speed. Twenty wickets fell on the opening day, the most in an Ashes Test since 1909, as both batting line-ups struggled on a lively pitch. Australia were dismissed for 152, while England collapsed to 110, leaving the contest finely balanced heading into day two.
Australia resumed their second innings on 4-0 but failed to seize control. England’s bowlers struck regularly, exploiting seam movement and variable bounce. Australia lost wickets in clusters, with only Steve Smith offering resistance, finishing unbeaten on 24.
England fast bowler Josh Tongue and all-rounder Jacob Bethell kept the pressure relentless, while Stokes led from the front with key breakthroughs. Australia’s last four wickets fell for just 13 runs, handing England a realistic target.
England’s chase began in aggressive fashion, reflecting their commitment to the “Bazball” approach. Crawley and Ben Duckett raced to a quick fifty partnership, attacking Australia’s pace attack from the outset. Duckett fell for 34 to a sharp yorker from Mitchell Starc, triggering a brief wobble.
Australia fought back through Scott Boland and Jhye Richardson, reducing England to six down. However, Brook and Smith held their nerve to guide England home and secure a historic win.
Australia captain Steve Smith admitted his side fell short. “It was a tricky game on a quick pitch,” he said. “If we had scored 50 or 60 more runs in each innings, the result might have been different.”
The pitch itself became a major talking point. With significant grass left on the surface, former players criticised conditions for favouring bowlers too heavily. A total of 36 wickets fell in two days, fuelling debate over pitch preparation at the iconic venue.
As reported by our correspondent in Melbourne, England’s victory not only revived the Ashes contest but also delivered a major psychological boost after years of frustration in Australia. While the series outcome remains beyond reach, the Melbourne triumph has ensured England leave the tour with momentum, belief, and a long-awaited win to celebrate.
English