England Claims First Test Win in Australia Since 2011

After nearly 15 years and 18 Test matches without a victory, England triumphed over Australia, securing a Test win in Australia for the first time since January 2011. This historic feat took place during a remarkable two-day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on December 26, 2025, concluding a challenging Ashes series for Ben Stokes and his team.

England’s victory came after a disappointing series, having already lost the Ashes within 11 days of cricket in Perth, Brisbane, and Adelaide. While Australia had already claimed the urn, the win provided some consolation for England, who had struggled in previous encounters on Australian soil.

A record crowd of 92,045 spectators witnessed this extraordinary match, marking the second two-day Test in series history since the 1880s. England’s bowlers dismissed Australia for just 132 runs, setting a target of 175. In a bold display reminiscent of T20 tactics, the English team approached their chase aggressively, hitting boundaries and taking quick singles, despite the pitch being unpredictable.

The match concluded dramatically with a four-wicket victory, which was clinched through four leg-byes that rolled to the boundary off the thigh pad of Harry Brook, sealing the win at 17:24 local time. Although neither Joe Root nor Stokes, who had never previously won a Test in Australia, were present to witness the final moments, the victory marked a significant achievement for the team.

Key Performers and Tactical Insights

One standout performer was Brydon Carse, whose bowling was pivotal in England’s success. Leading the wicket tally for the series with 19 wickets at an average of 25, Carse demonstrated improvement in his form, having initially struggled in earlier matches. On the second day, he delivered a tight spell, conceding only one run in his opening overs and ultimately taking four wickets for 34 runs in 11 overs.

Stokes displayed confidence in Carse by handing him the new ball at the start of day two, a decision that paid off when Carse dismissed key players including Travis Head and Alex Carey. Carse’s performance was a welcome redemption after a challenging series, showcasing his ability to adapt and deliver under pressure.

The Impact of the Victory on English Cricket

The significance of this win extends beyond mere statistics; it represents a turning point for English cricket after a series of struggles in Australia. The last victory prior to this was on January 5, 2011, when Chris Tremlett claimed the final wicket in Sydney. Since then, England had faced 16 defeats in 18 Tests against Australia, with only two draws to their name.

The emotional weight of this win was palpable among players and fans alike, as Tremlett reflected on the joy of that past victory: “All the emotions came out because we’d finally done it.” The years of disappointment, including a 5-0 whitewash in the 2013-14 series and subsequent losses, had created an environment of pressure and scrutiny within the team.

Looking ahead, this victory offers a glimmer of hope and may help stave off further criticism and potential changes within the team’s structure. As the cricketing world turns its attention to the upcoming T20 World Cup, England will aim to build on this momentum, particularly as they navigate the challenges posed by injuries to key players.

As England celebrates this long-awaited win, it is a reminder of the unpredictable nature of Test cricket and the enduring passion of its players and supporters. The victory in Melbourne may not alter the course of the Ashes, but it has rekindled a sense of optimism for the future of English cricket.