Melbourne: England chased down a target of 175 runs to beat Australia by four wickets inside two days in the fourth Ashes Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, ending an 18-match winless run in Tests on Australian soil and providing a rare triumph for the tourists in the 2025-26 series.
Sent in to bat on a pitch that offered significant movement for bowlers and under overcast conditions, Australia were bundled out for 152 in their first innings, with England’s pace attack exploiting the conditions to great effect. Josh Tongue was in devastating form with the ball, claiming a five-wicket haul and becoming the first England bowler to take five at the MCG in more than two decades, as Australia’s batting lineup faltered in the face of relentless pressure. England’s reply in their first innings ended in a collapse as they were dismissed for 110, with only a counterattacking 41 from Harry Brook providing resistance in difficult conditions. Australia then resumed their innings in the second session, reaching 4 for 0 by stumps on the opening day and establishing a 46-run lead.
On the second day, Australia’s second innings yielded 132 before they were all out, setting England a target of 175 to win. England’s chase showed resolve, with contributions from multiple batters, and despite the familiar volatility that had marked much of their tour, they held their nerve to reach the total with four wickets to spare. The victorious runs saw England close out the match in emphatic fashion, celebrating a breakthrough win on Boxing Day that was greeted with jubilation from their players and supporters.
The match was marked by dramatic swings in momentum, with conditions that repeatedly challenged batters from both sides and led to a high number of wickets falling in short periods. A record crowd attended the Test, witnessing a rare spectacle in Ashes cricket as 20 wickets fell on the opening day, an occurrence not seen at the MCG in more than a century and a testament to how testing the surface and conditions were throughout play.
England’s success in chasing 175 was built on disciplined bowling in Australia’s second innings and a measured batting effort in their pursuit. The win remains significant not only for ending their long drought on Australian soil but also for providing a morale boost in a series that Australia had already largely dominated. Despite this victory, Australia continued to lead the five-match series overall, having secured wins in the opening Tests and retained the Ashes before the conclusion of this fixture.
The chaotic nature of the Test, with frequent dismissals and fluctuating fortunes, drew widespread attention and commentary from the cricketing world. Observers highlighted not only the quality of seam bowling in helpful conditions but also the resilience shown by England’s batsmen in a tense final session to secure the victory.
As the tour progresses, the result in Melbourne will be remembered for its dramatic finish and for giving England a rare day of dominance in a challenging away Ashes campaign, while Australia, despite the loss, maintained their ascendancy in the series by virtue of earlier wins.
