England won by 4 wickets against Australia.

England won by 4 wickets against Australia Read the full match report, innings details.

England 2nd Innings

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In a historic turn of events at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, England snapped a 15-year winless streak on Australian soil, securing a thrilling four-wicket victory in the Boxing Day Test. On a pitch that behaved like a minefield, the match concluded in just two days, leaving the 90,000-strong crowd at the MCG breathless.

A Wild Opening Day

The tone for this chaotic encounter was set on Day 1, when an incredible 20 wickets fell. England captain Ben Stokes won the toss and elected to bowl, a decision that paid immediate dividends. Josh Tongue produced a spell for the ages, claiming 5 for 45 to skittle Australia for a meager 152. Only Michael Neser (35) and Travis Head offered any real resistance against a relentless English pace attack.

However, England’s joy was short-lived. Australia’s bowlers, led by Michael Neser and Mitchell Starc, responded with equal ferocity. England’s top order crumbled under the lights, collapsing to 110 all out. Harry Brook’s aggressive 41 was the only bright spot in an otherwise dismal first-innings scorecard. By the end of the first day, Australia held a slight lead, setting the stage for a frantic Day 2.

Australia’s Second Innings Collapse

The second morning saw no relief for the batters. Australia started their second innings with a 42-run lead but struggled to build on it. The English bowlers maintained a disciplined line, exploiting the uneven bounce and lateral movement.

Travis Head again looked the most comfortable, top-scoring with 46, but wickets fell at regular intervals. When Steve Smith was left stranded at the other end, Australia was bundled out for 132. This left England with a target of 175 to win—a modest total on paper, but a mountainous task given the conditions.

The Chase: England’s Nerve-Wracking Victory

England’s pursuit of 175 was a rollercoaster of emotions. The openers, Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett, provided a rare moment of stability with a 51-run opening stand. Duckett’s brisk 34 and Crawley’s 37 gave the visitors hope that the chase would be straightforward.

However, the “Boxing Day curse” nearly struck again. Australia’s Scott Boland and Mitchell Starc triggered a mid-order wobble. When Ben Stokes fell for just 2, and Joe Root was dismissed for 15, the scoreboard read 165/6. The MCG erupted, sensing another English collapse in Australia.

In the end, it was the youth and composure of Jacob Bethell and the finishing touches of Harry Brook that guided England home. Bethell’s crucial 40 runs anchored the middle order, while Brook (18*) and Jamie Smith (3*) remained unbeaten to hit the winning runs. England finished at 178/6, sparking wild celebrations among the Barmy Army.

Match Summary

Result: England won by 4 wickets.

Player of the Match: Josh Tongue (England).

This victory is a massive morale booster for Ben Stokes’ side. While Australia has already retained the Ashes with a 3-0 lead in the series, this win at the MCG proves that England’s “Bazball” approach can find a way to win even in the toughest Australian conditions.

England won by 4 wickets against Australia.

It was Harry Brook who remained the calmest man in Melbourne. Showing maturity beyond his years, he anchored the final moments of the chase. Alongside the young Jacob Bethell, who played a crucial cameo of 40, Brook navigated the final overs with precision. When the winning runs were struck, the English dressing room erupted in a mix of relief and euphoria.

This 4-wicket victory is more than just a consolation win in an Ashes series. It represents a psychological breakthrough for a generation of English cricketers who had never tasted Test success in Australia. For Ben Stokes, it is another chapter in his legacy of winning high-pressure matches.