England Stuns Australia in Historic Two-Day MCG Victory to End 14-Year Ashes Drought

England has clinched a dramatic Test victory at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. Ben Stokes’s side defeated Australia by four wickets in a whirlwind two-day contest. The win on December 26, 2025, ended England’s 14-year wait for a Test win on Australian soil.

The result halted a potential series whitewash. England, trailing 3-0, showed immense resilience to chase down 175 runs. This Boxing Day Test will be remembered for its breakneck pace and sheer unpredictability.

Boxing Day Carnage Sees 20 Wickets Fall

The match exploded into life from the very first ball. A staggering 20 wickets tumbled on the opening day, a rate of collapse rarely seen at the MCG. Australia was bowled out for 152 before England slumped to 110 all out in reply.

According to ESPN Cricinfo, the pitch offered significant assistance to the seamers. England’s decision to bowl first after winning the toss proved inspired. This early chaos set the stage for a remarkably short match full of tension.

Josh Tongue Delivers a Career-Defining Spell

Fast bowler Josh Tongue was England’s undisputed hero. He recorded career-best figures of 5 for 45 in Australia’s first innings. His five-wicket haul was the first by an Englishman in a Boxing Day Test at the MCG since 1998.

Tongue consistently troubled the Australian top order. His spell dismantled any sense of home dominance early on. This performance provided England with the crucial momentum they had lacked all series.

A Gritty Chase Seals Historic Win

Chasing 175 to win on a difficult pitch was a daunting task. England’s top order, however, displayed a renewed sense of purpose. They carefully navigated the challenging conditions to reach their target late on day two.

This victory marks the first Test win in Australia for senior players like Joe Root and Ben Stokes. It breaks a long personal streak of disappointment on previous tours. The win provides a massive morale boost for the entire squad.

The series outcome is already decided, with Australia retaining the Ashes urn with a 3-1 lead. However, England’s fightback in Melbourne prevents a 5-0 series whitewash. It restores a measure of pride and proves their competitive spirit.

The teams now head to Sydney for the fifth and final Test. England will aim to build on this momentum and secure a second consecutive victory. This result ensures the series ends on a more competitive note.

England’s thrilling two-day victory at the MCG has rewritten the narrative of the 2025 Ashes series, proving their capability to triumph under extreme pressure and ending a long chapter of Australian dominance on home soil.

Dropping this nugget your way

What was the final result of the 4th Ashes Test?

England beat Australia by 4 wickets at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. They successfully chased a target of 175 runs to win inside two days of play.

Why was this England victory so significant?

It was England’s first Test match win in Australia since the 2010-11 series. The victory ended a 14-year drought and prevented a potential 5-0 series whitewash.

Who was the player of the match?

England fast bowler Josh Tongue was the standout performer. He took a five-wicket haul (5/45) in Australia’s first innings, which set up the win.

Does this win change who holds the Ashes?

No, Australia retains the Ashes urn. They had already secured the series with a 3-0 lead before this match. The series score is now 3-1 to Australia.

What happens in the series now?

One final Test match remains, to be played in Sydney. England will try to win again to finish the series 3-2, while Australia will aim to bounce back.

How many wickets fell on the first day?

A remarkable 20 wickets fell on the opening day of the Test. This incredibly high fall of wickets is what led to the match finishing in just two days.