MELBOURNE: England produced a spirited performance to register their first Test victory on Australian soil in 15 years, defeating Australia by four wickets in a chaotic fourth Ashes Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on Saturday.
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In a match that ended inside just two days, England dismissed Australia for 132 shortly after lunch on day two, setting a modest target of 175. The tourists chased down the total with six wickets down, sparking jubilant celebrations among the 92,045-strong crowd and England’s travelling “Barmy Army”.
Harry Brook (18 not out) and Jamie Smith (3 not out) guided England to victory after earlier contributions from Jacob Bethell (40) and Zak Crawley (37). The win restored England’s pride after heavy defeats in the first three Tests and silenced criticism over their preparations and off-field distractions during the tour.
England last won a Test in Australia in January 2011, suffering 16 defeats and two draws since then. Determined to end the drought, openers Crawley and Ben Duckett adopted an aggressive “Bazball” approach, racing to a rapid 50-run opening stand. Duckett was bowled by a Mitchell Starc yorker for 34, while Crawley fell lbw to Scott Boland after a resilient knock.
Australia’s bowlers fought back, with Jhye Richardson and Starc picking up key wickets, but England kept their composure to seal the win.
Earlier, the match had been dominated by fast bowlers on a lively pitch with heavy grass cover. A total of 20 wickets fell on the opening day, the most in an Ashes Test since 1909. Australia were bowled out for 152 in their first innings, while England replied with 110.
Resuming their second innings at 4-0, Australia struggled again as England’s bowlers maintained relentless pressure. Steve Smith remained unbeaten on 24, but Australia lost their last four wickets for just 13 runs, collapsing to 132.
The pitch drew criticism from former players, who described it as overly bowler-friendly and unfair to batters. Despite the controversy, England capitalised fully and will now head to Sydney for the fifth and final Test with renewed confidence.
