England secured a dramatic four-wicket victory over Australia in the fourth Ashes Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, ending a prolonged 13-year wait for a win on Australian soil. The match, concluding rapidly within two days, saw Ben Stokes’ side defy challenging pitch conditions to prevent a potential 5-0 series whitewash, despite having already conceded the coveted urn. This triumph marks England’s first Ashes win Down Under since January 2011, breaking a sequence of 16 losses and two draws across four tours.
The significance of this victory extends beyond mere statistics, offering a crucial boost to team morale and averting the ignominy of a clean sweep. Chasing a target of 175 runs, which proved formidable on a pitch that offered significant assistance to bowlers, England showcased a renewed aggressive intent reminiscent of their ‘Bazball’ approach. The dramatic conclusion unfolded as England navigated a precarious chase, ultimately prevailing despite losing key wickets.
Crucial to England’s successful chase was the composed batting of debutant Jacob Bethell, who contributed a vital 40 runs under immense pressure. Earlier, opening batsman Ben Duckett set an aggressive tone against the new ball, scoring a chaotic 34 that included four boundaries and an audacious ramp shot for six. His rapid scoring helped England build early momentum, chipping away at the target despite the challenging conditions and the loss of early wickets.
The chase saw an unexpected tactical move with Brydon Carse, typically a lower-order batsman, promoted to number three in a ‘nighthawk’ role. While his brief stint yielded six runs from eight balls, it reflected England’s daring approach. After Duckett’s dismissal by Mitchell Starc, Bethell joined Zak Crawley, and the pair forged a settling 47-run partnership, navigating the difficult afternoon session and bringing England closer to their goal.
Australia’s second innings collapse had paved the way for England’s pursuit. The hosts were dismissed for just 132 runs in less than 35 overs, with England’s bowlers exploiting the responsive pitch. Brydon Carse delivered a career-best performance, claiming 4-34, finding rhythm and consistency that had previously evaded him. Captain Ben Stokes supported with three wickets, while Josh Tongue added two, dismantling the Australian batting line-up.
The bowling effort was notable despite the early withdrawal of Gus Atkinson due to a hamstring injury after just four overs. Stokes himself made an immediate impact, dismissing Jake Weatherald without offering a shot in his first over. Marnus Labuschagne endured a torrid brief stay, being struck twice on the glove before nicking off to Tongue. Travis Head, Australia’s leading series scorer, posed the primary threat with 46 runs before Carse delivered a superb delivery that trimmed his off-stump bails, triggering a rapid decline in the Australian innings.
Australia’s tailenders offered little resistance, losing their final seven wickets in two swift clusters. Usman Khawaja was bounced out for a duck, while Alex Carey and Cameron Green both poked softly to slip. Carse concluded his impressive spell by removing Michael Neser and Mitchell Starc with successive deliveries, before Stokes wrapped up the innings by dismissing Jhye Richardson. This exceptional bowling performance presented England with a tangible, albeit challenging, path to victory, which they ultimately seized after more than a decade of frustration. Harry Brook remained unbeaten with 18 runs, as four leg-byes ultimately sealed the memorable triumph for England.
