England finally found joy on an otherwise miserable Ashes tour, defeating Australia by four wickets in a staggering two-day Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground to avoid a clean sweep.
In a match that bordered on the absurd, England chased down a modest target of 175 on the second evening, reaching it inside 33 overs to leave the series at 3-1 heading into the finale in Sydney. It was England’s first Test victory in Australia since 2011 and snapped an 18-match winless streak Down Under.
Played on a pitch with a lush covering of grass that heavily favoured bowlers, the contest became one of the shortest and most chaotic in Test history. It was the 27th Test ever to finish inside two days and the second two-day Ashes match of the series — an unprecedented occurrence in modern cricket.
England’s victory was set up earlier in the day when they dismissed Australia for just 132 in their second innings. Brydon Carse led the way with 4-34, while captain Ben Stokes chipped in with 3-24, expertly exploiting conditions that made batting a lottery.
Australia were bowled out twice in just 79.5 overs, their fastest defeat in terms of balls faced since Don Bradman’s debut in 1928.
Despite losing Gus Atkinson to a hamstring injury, England’s bowlers maintained relentless pressure. Only Travis Head, with a defiant 46, offered significant resistance before Carse uprooted him with a superb delivery.
Chasing 175, England embraced chaos in true Bazball fashion. Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett blasted 51 in just 6.5 overs, England’s highest opening stand of the series. Duckett, reprieved on eight when dropped by Mitchell Starc, played with freedom before falling for 34.
In a move that epitomised the day’s madness, Carse was promoted from number 10 to number three as a pinch-hitter. Though his stay was brief, the intent was clear. Jacob Bethell then brought composure, justifying his recall with a classy 40 on Ashes debut.
Crawley’s dismissal left England needing 63, but Bethell and Joe Root calmly guided the chase closer before both fell late on. Any lingering nerves were settled when Harry Brook’s thigh-pad deflection sealed victory, sparking raucous celebrations among the travelling supporters.
While questions will linger over pitch preparation and the quality of cricket, few could deny the entertainment. Nearly 200,000 spectators across two days were treated to relentless drama.
For England, the win offers overdue relief. It eases pressure on Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum, delivers long-awaited success for senior players, and ensures this Ashes series will be remembered not only for defeat, but for one unforgettable, chaotic triumph.
