England finally ended their long wait for an Ashes Test victory on Australian soil with a commanding four-wicket win in the fourth Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on Saturday. The victory mattered a lot England stalwarts Joe Root and Ben Stokes. After years of touring Australia without tasting a Test win, they were finally able to celebrate success in the most hostile of environments. England broke a 15-year hoodoo by securing their first Test win on Australian soil since the 2010–11 Ashes series.
The win ended a miserable run for England that had seen them fail to register a single Test victory in their previous 18 matches in Australia, a stretch that included 16 defeats and two draws. Australia, having poured enormous physical energy into the first three Tests of the series, appeared a side running on fumes, giving away a chance to complete an Ashes whitewash.
Earlier, Australia, who were asked to bat, were bowled out for 152 in their first innings, with England’s Josh Tongue starring with 5-45. He took advantage of a green-topped pitch that saw 20 wickets fall on the opening day. In reply, England were bowled out for 110. For them, Harry Brook was top scorer with 41.
Australian bowlers Michael Neser (4-45) and Scott Boland (3-30) led the hosts bowling effort. Meanwhile, in their second innings, Australia's batting woes continued, putting up only 132 before losing all wickets. England bowlers once again responded to the call, striking early to set up a manageable target of 175 runs. The tourists' chase was led by top-order Jacob Bethell (40), Zak Crawley (37) and Ben Duckett (34) to pump the side to a famous win.