England Ends 15-Year Test Winless Streak in Australia with Historic Victory

Historic Win for England in the Ashes 2025

England has finally broken a 15-year and 18-Test match winless streak on Australian soil, achieving a remarkable four-wicket victory over Australia in the Ashes 2025 Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on December 27. The last time England triumphed in a Test match in Australia was back in January 2011 at the Sydney Cricket Ground.

After dismissing Australia for just 132 runs in their second innings, England was set a target of 175 runs to chase on Day 2 of the MCG Test. The visitors completed the chase in 32.2 overs, marking a historic win that ended years of disappointment for England in Australia. Jacob Bethell was instrumental in the run chase, scoring 40 runs off 46 balls, while Zak Crawley (37), Ben Duckett (34), and Harry Brook (18*) provided crucial support to secure this memorable Ashes victory in Melbourne.

The English bowlers played a pivotal role, dismissing Australia twice within two days. Josh Tongue was the standout performer with seven wickets across both innings, and Brydon Carse's four-wicket haul in the second innings was crucial in dismantling the Australian batting lineup. Captain Ben Stokes effectively led his pace attack, maintaining relentless pressure on the home team.

England's Successful Chase Despite Challenges

Facing a target of 178 runs, which could have gone either way given the early struggles of both teams with the bat, England's openers Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett adopted an aggressive 'Bazball' strategy, giving the visitors a strong start. Duckett was particularly aggressive, helping England reach 51 runs without loss in just 6.5 overs.

Crawley and Duckett formed a solid opening partnership of 51 runs before Duckett was dismissed for 34. Following this, Crawley was joined by Brydon Carse, who had a brief stay at the crease before falling for 6 at 65/2. Jacob Bethell then entered the fray, partnering with Crawley as they aimed for the remaining 110 runs with a session left. After the Tea break, England's momentum shifted positively as Crawley and Bethell rotated the strike effectively and capitalized on loose deliveries.

However, after Crawley's dismissal, England faced a few hiccups, losing Bethell, Joe Root, and Ben Stokes in quick succession, which brought the visitors down to 165/6. Australia sensed an opportunity to turn the match in their favor.

Scott Boland put that one right on the money. #Ashes pic.twitter.com/3XggKrcXxH

With just 10 runs needed and only a few overs remaining in Day 2, Harry Brook and Jamie Smith ensured that England completed the chase before the end of the day, avoiding the need for a third day. Brook sealed the victory with a boundary off Jyle Richardson, marking England's first Test win in Australia in 15 years.

Social Media Buzz Following England's Victory

England's long-awaited Test win in Australia since January 2011 ignited a flurry of reactions on social media, with fans and former cricketers praising the Ben Stokes-led team for bouncing back after three consecutive Test losses that had resulted in an Ashes series defeat.

Former England captain Michael Vaughan and cricket fans took to their social media accounts to commend the Three Lions for their resilience in achieving this historic win, which ended a 15-year wait for victory in Australia. The support from the Barmy Army was also highlighted.

England winning their first test in Australia since 2011. #Ashes pic.twitter.com/2fnd0AwLTY

History at the MCG After 15 years, 16 defeats and 2 draws, England finally won a Test match in Australia — after 5,468 days! Target 175, chased it down at 6/178 and sealed a 4-wicket win. Long wait. Big moment. Test cricket at its best. pic.twitter.com/xZjuyDPK5i

On a lighter note, some fans humorously remarked that the Australians performed worse than England, who were already underperforming. The atmosphere at the MCG was electric, with Vaughan expressing his delight for the England fans, calling them the best.

HISTORY MADE AT THE MCG! England have finally won a Test match in Australia after 5,468 days. A long wait comes to an end, making this victory even more special and memorable for English cricket. A truly historic moment at Melbourne! #ENGvAUS #MCG #TestCricket

Interestingly, none of the current England players were part of the last Test win in Australia in January 2011, emphasizing the significance of this achievement for the current generation.

As England prepares for the fifth and final Test of the Ashes 2025 series, they aim to build on this momentum and finish the series on a high note, restoring pride after a challenging campaign.