- England defeated Australia by four wickets on day two of the fourth Ashes Test at the MCG on December 27, 2025.
- The match finished in two days—the second such result in the 2025-26 series—after 20 wickets fell on day one.
- Josh Tongue earned Player of the Match with 7 wickets (5-45 and 2-44); Jacob Bethell top-scored with 40 on debut.
- England ended an 18-match winless streak in Australia, their first victory down under since 2011.
A Record-Breaking Day of Carnage
The Boxing Day Test at Melbourne Cricket Ground exploded into life on December 26, 2025, with conditions heavily favoring bowlers. A lush 10mm grass cover produced extravagant seam movement, leading to 20 wickets on day one—the most in an Ashes opener since 1909.
Ben Stokes won the toss and inserted Australia, who collapsed to 152 all out. Josh Tongue’s 5-45 dismantled the innings, supported by Gus Atkinson (2-28). Michael Neser resisted with 35.
England’s reply mirrored the chaos: bowled out for 110, with Harry Brook’s aggressive 41 the standout. Neser claimed 4-45, Scott Boland 3-30.
Australia faced one over before stumps, reaching 4-0 for a 46-run lead.
England’s Aggressive Chase Seals Historic Win
Day two continued the frenzy. Despite Gus Atkinson’s early injury (hamstring, series doubt), Brydon Carse (4-34) and Stokes (3-24) restricted Australia to 132. Travis Head’s 46 offered brief resistance, but collapses—three for six, four for 13—ensued.
England chased 175 aggressively. Zak Crawley (37) and Ben Duckett (34) raced to 51 before falls. Brydon Carse, promoted to No. 3 as pinch-hitter, added impetus.
Jacob Bethell’s composed 40 on Ashes debut steadied alongside Joe Root. Late tension—Root and Stokes dismissed—gave way to Jamie Smith’s calm finish.
The winning leg-byes off Harry Brook’s pad sparked jubilation among travelling Barmy Army fans.
| Fourth Ashes Test Scorecard Summary |
|---|
| Australia 1st: 152 (Neser 35; Tongue 5-45) |
| England 1st: 110 (Brook 41; Neser 4-45) |
| Australia 2nd: 132 (Head 46; Carse 4-34) |
| England 2nd: 178-6 (Bethell 40, Crawley 37) |
| Result: England won by 4 wickets |
| Player of the Match: Josh Tongue |
The 2025-26 Ashes fourth Test at Melbourne delivered one of cricket’s most extraordinary spectacles. Finishing in two days—the series’ second such occurrence—highlighted extreme conditions and bold play.
A record 94,199 Boxing Day crowd witnessed day one’s 20 wickets, surpassing historical marks. The grassy pitch sparked debate: entertaining yet unbalanced, bordering unfair for batters.
CricViz noted 48% deliveries seaming significantly—the second-highest day-one figure in a decade. Critics like Michael Vaughan called it “unfair,” Glenn McGrath suggested less grass for balance.
Curator Matt Page aimed for multi-day contest, warmer weather/rollers potentially easing later. Financial hits for Cricket Australia arose from lost days.
England’s victory—first in Australia since 2011—ended 18-Test drought. Stokes/Root gained maiden wins down under after multiple tours.
Bazball thrived in chaos: aggressive chasing suited the surface. Duckett’s early flair, Carse’s pinch-hitting, Bethell’s maturity shone.
Tongue’s seven wickets earned Player of the Match—first England bowler so honored in Australia since 1998.
Series stands 3-1 before Sydney finale. England avoid whitewash; Australia rest stars like Cummins/Lyon.
This Test blended absurdity and brilliance—rapid wickets, heroic stands, historic breakthrough.
