Harry Brook seals England’s first Test win in Australia after 5,468 days with a boundary at MCG

England broke their long winless run in Australia with a memorable victory during the fourth Test of the Ashes 2025-26 series at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. Harry Brook struck the winning boundary to end a wait of 5,468 days since England’s previous Test victory in Australia, which had come in January 2011.

England clinched a four-wicket win in Melbourne on Saturday, December 27. Notably, the match finished in under two days for the second time in the ongoing series. Chasing a target of 175, England completed the run chase in just over 32 overs. Jacob Bethell scored a vital 40 off 46 balls in tough batting conditions.

England Secure First Test Win in Australia Since January 2011

England secured their first Test win in Australia since January 2011. The win sparked big celebrations among England fans at the ground. England had gone 18 Tests in Australia without a victory, making the result even more special in front of a packed Melbourne crowd.

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The victory was a personal milestone for Joe Root, who won his first Test in Australia after 17 previous attempts. Captain Ben Stokes also tasted success there for the first time in his 13th Test on Australian soil.

Despite the win, England still trail 3-1 in the Ashes series with one match left. The series has already gone to Australia, but the result helped England avoid a series whitewash. Notably, no player from either team scored a half-century, something that had not happened in a Test match in Australia since 1932.

After 5,468 days England have won a Test match in Australia 😱#Ashes | #PlayoftheDay | @nrmainsurance pic.twitter.com/NBSuyMne52

— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) December 27, 2025

England Team’s Aggressive Run Chase at the MCG

The visitors went after the target from the very start. Openers Ben Duckett and Zak Crawley attacked Australia’s bowlers, adding 45 runs inside the first six overs with bold shots and early boundaries.

The pair rode their luck before Mitchell Starc broke through by bowling Duckett for 34 with a sharp yorker. England then surprised many by sending Brydon Carse in at No. 3, but the move failed as he was caught while slogging, giving Jhye Richardson his first Test wicket in four years.

Jacob Bethell continued England’s attacking intent after tea and added a useful stand with Crawley. Both were dismissed close together by Scott Boland. Despite late wickets for Joe Root and Ben Stokes, Harry Brook and Jamie Smith calmly finished the chase, sealing England’s win without further trouble.

Australia Bowled Out for 132 in Second Innings

Earlier, the hosts were bowled out for 132 in just over 34 overs. Brydon Carse picked up four wickets for 34 runs, while captain Ben Stokes chipped in with three wickets. After the early dismissals of Scott Boland, Jake Weatherald, and Marnus Labuschagne, Travis Head briefly threatened with a counterattack.

However, Carse bowled Head for 46, triggering another collapse. Usman Khawaja fell for a second-ball duck, and Alex Carey managed just 4. Steve Smith and Cameron Green offered some resistance, but after lunch Australia lost four wickets for just 13 runs.

Jhye Richardson was the final wicket, with Smith left unbeaten on 24. In total, Australia faced fewer than 80 overs across both innings, marking their quickest double collapse in a Test match since 1928.

Also read: ICC World Test Championship Points Table, WTC Table After AUS vs ENG 4th Test - Ashes 2025-26