England Ends 14-Year Ashes Drought with Boxing Day Victory in Australia

In a thrilling Boxing Day Test, England's cricket team has finally triumphed in Australia, ending a 14-year Ashes drought. The victory at the Melbourne Cricket Ground was marked by standout performances from young players like Josh Tongue and Jacob Bethell, who showcased their talent and resilience. Despite controversies surrounding the team, their determination shone through, leading to a historic win. As the series continues, England's new generation is proving to be a formidable force, hinting at a bright future for English cricket.

By Narendra Chaudhary Dec 28, 2025, 12:12 IST

Historic Win for England's Cricket Team

In a remarkable turn of events, England's cricket team has finally secured a victory in Australia, ending a 14-year winless streak in Ashes Tests on Australian soil. This significant win took place at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) on Boxing Day, marking a momentous occasion for the beleaguered team. Although the Ashes urn remains with Australia, the triumph was a much-needed morale booster for the English squad, particularly for its younger players who delivered impressive performances.

Resilience Amid Controversy

The team's aggressive 'Bazball' approach faced scrutiny, especially after personal controversies involving players like Ben Duckett and Jacob Bethell surfaced on social media. Despite these distractions, the team's character shone through, showcasing their determination to succeed.

Josh Tongue's Standout Performance

Josh Tongue, named 'Player of the Match', excelled on a pitch favorable for fast bowlers. He took crucial wickets, including that of Australian star Steve Smith, and helped restrict Australia to a mere 152 runs in their first innings. Tongue's five-wicket haul marked a historic achievement for England in Boxing Day Tests.

Tongue's Journey to Success

Reflecting on his journey, Tongue revealed that he had contemplated retirement due to injury struggles. However, his hard work paid off, and he expressed immense joy at contributing to England's victory at the MCG.

Harry Brook's Counterattack

Facing a challenging start at 16/4, Harry Brook's aggressive batting helped stabilize England's innings. His quickfire 41 runs were pivotal in setting up a manageable target for the team.

Emerging Talent: Jacob Bethell

Jacob Bethell, a promising young player, showcased his skills with a solid performance, contributing significantly to England's chase. His aggressive style and ability to handle pressure have drawn comparisons to past greats.

Australia's Struggles in the Second Innings

In their second innings, Australia faltered, with England's bowlers, including Tongue and Brydon Carse, dismantling their batting lineup. Australia was bowled out for just 132 runs, reflecting their vulnerabilities.

Young Players Lead England to Victory

With a target of 175 runs, England's young batsmen, including Zak Crawley and Bethell, set the stage for a historic win. Their contributions were crucial in achieving a famous victory, with Jamie Smith and Brook sealing the deal.

Looking Ahead: England's Future

As the series progresses to Sydney, England's new generation of players has shown promise, outshining their more experienced counterparts. With key performances from Tongue and Carse, the future looks bright for England cricket.