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Melbourne, December 27 :
England finally broke their long-standing jinx in Australia. The visitors defeated Australia by four wickets in the MCG Boxing Day Test, ending an 18-match winless Test streak Down Under.
Although England had already lost the Ashes series, the team delivered a spirited performance to seal the fourth Test inside two days. The victory also denied Australia a clean sweep of the series.
England Complete 175-Run Chase with Ease
England resumed the final session at 77/2, chasing a target of 175 runs. Zak Crawley and Jacob Bethell continued with positive intent.
Bethell started aggressively and drove Scott Boland for boundaries early in the session. Soon after, England crossed the 100-run mark in just 15.5 overs.
However, Boland dismissed Crawley for 37 off 48 balls, ending a 47-run stand. England slipped to 112/3.
Bethell, Brook Play Crucial Roles
Bethell continued to score freely alongside Joe Root. However, a mistimed drive ended his knock. He fell for 40 off 46 balls, leaving England at 137/4.
Later, Harry Brook kept England calm. His aggressive strokeplay pushed the team closer to victory. England reached 150 runs in 27.2 overs.
Root failed again and scored just 15. Soon after, Ben Stokes also departed for 2 runs, increasing tension briefly.
Brook, Smith Seal the Win
Despite late wickets, Brook held his nerve. He remained unbeaten on 18. Jamie Smith supported him well.
England completed the chase at 178/6 in 32.2 overs, sealing a historic win at the MCG.
England Bowlers Set Up the Victory
Earlier, England bowled Australia out for 132 runs in the second innings. The hosts resumed at 98/6 but failed to build momentum.
Captain Ben Stokes dismissed Cameron Green, triggering a collapse. England wrapped up the innings quickly.
Brydon Carse starred with 4/34, while Stokes took 3/24. Josh Tongue chipped in with two wickets.
Tongue’s Historic Boxing Day Performance
Josh Tongue delivered a match-defining performance. He took 5/45 in the first innings. It was England’s first five-wicket haul at an MCG Boxing Day Test in the 21st century.
Australia managed 152 runs in the first innings. England replied with 110, trailing by 42.
However, Australia failed again in their second innings. Only Travis Head (46) and Steve Smith (24)* showed resistance.
Pitch Dominates the Test Match
The MCG pitch heavily favoured bowlers throughout the match. Batting remained difficult in both innings.
England adapted better in the final chase and showed patience when required.
Match Summary
- Australia: 152 & 132
- England: 110 & 178/6
- Result: England won by 4 wickets
- Player Highlights:
- Josh Tongue: 5/45
- Brydon Carse: 4/34
- Jacob Bethell: 40
- Zak Crawley: 37
England End Long Australian Drought
England last won a Test in Australia during the 2010–11 Ashes series. This MCG victory finally ends a painful run of defeats.
The team played with pride despite losing the Ashes. The win gives England confidence heading into the final Test.
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