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3d ago

England Seal Two-Day MCG Win, End 15-Year Drought in Australia

Cricket Australia signals concern over the two-day finish on a seam-heavy MCG surface.

England defeated Australia by four wickets in the Melbourne Test.
Cricket - The Ashes - Australia v England - Fourth Test - MCG, Melbourne, Australia - December 27, 2025 England's Josh Tongue, Joe Root, Ben Stokes and Brydon Carse celebrate after taking the final wicket of Australia's 2nd innings REUTERS/Asanka Brendon Ratnayake
Ben Stokes and Joe Root applaud the crowd at the MCG after England win their first Test in Australia since 2011.
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Overview

  • England chased 175 to win by four wickets at 178-6, with Jacob Bethell scoring 40, Zak Crawley 37 and Harry Brook unbeaten on 18.
  • The victory cuts Australia’s lead to 3-1 with one Test to play in Sydney and ends England’s 18-match, 15-year winless run in Australia.
  • A green, seaming pitch produced 20 wickets on day one and 36 in two days, drawing criticism from former players as Cricket Australia’s chief said short Tests are bad for business and flagged a more hands-on role in pitch preparation.
  • Josh Tongue took 5-45 and seven wickets in the match, Brydon Carse claimed 4-34 in Australia’s second innings, and Michael Neser starred for the hosts with 4-45 and a top-scoring 35.
  • England’s Gus Atkinson left with a hamstring strain and looks doubtful for Sydney, while crowds of 94,199 on day one and 92,045 on day two highlighted the revenue at risk from the abbreviated finish.