In an unprecedented display of cricketing chaos, England shattered an 18-match winless streak on Australian soil with a breathtaking four-wicket victory in a mere two days at Melbourne Cricket Ground. The fourth Ashes Test concluded on December 27, 2025, delivering one of the most extraordinary matches in cricket history amid intensely bowler-friendly conditions.
The match unfolded at breakneck speed, with Australia collapsing to 152 in their first innings courtesy of Josh Tongue’s 5-45, before England responded with 110 as Michael Neser claimed 4-45. Australia’s second innings proved equally disastrous, bundled out for 132 with Brydon Carse’s exceptional 4-34 and captain Ben Stokes’ 3-24 exposing the batting frailties of both sides.
Chasing 175 for victory, England’s ‘Bazball’ approach finally found its ideal conditions as openers Zak Crawley (37) and Ben Duckett (34) blasted a rapid 51-run partnership—their highest opening stand of the series. The tactical surprise came when Carse was promoted to number three as pinch-hitter, though it was Jacob Bethell’s composed 40 that provided the crucial middle-order stability.
The victory, sealed when Harry Brook deflected the winning runs off his thigh pad, triggered euphoric celebrations among England’s traveling supporters who witnessed their first Test win in Australia since 2011. The match marked only the 27th Test in history to conclude within two days, and the first Ashes series since 1896 to feature two such abbreviated Tests.
While questions immediately arose about the suitability of the grassy MCG pitch for Test cricket, the extraordinary conditions created theater of the highest drama. Australia maintains a 3-1 series lead heading into the final Test in Sydney, but England’s victory provides much-needed respite for captain Stokes, coach Brendon McCullum, and their under-fire leadership team after a challenging tour.