Khabor Wala Desk
Published: 27th December 2025, 11:32 AM
England’s long-awaited victory on Australian soil finally arrived in Melbourne, and former captain Joe Root has credited the win to courage, composure, and an ability to adapt to challenging conditions. The fourth Ashes Test, played on a tricky and fast-paced pitch, has been dubbed by Root as a “fast-forward Test” due to the rapid movement of both ball and game.
After suffering defeats in the first three Tests of the series, England chased down a target of 175 runs to secure a four-wicket victory. This triumph marked the team’s first Test win in Australia in 15 years, ending a prolonged drought and reigniting hope among English supporters ahead of the final Test in Sydney.
“The wicket made the game move very quickly. We adapted as best we could and made the most of every opportunity. Today, we showed courage with the bat, and that, more than anything, made the difference.”
England began their chase aggressively, yet progress was far from straightforward against Australia’s disciplined bowling attack. It was the composed performances of Harry Brook and Jamie Smith in the closing stages that steered England to safety and ultimately to victory.
Root also expressed heartfelt gratitude to the fans, adding,
“The support we receive is incredible. People have come from across the world to cheer us on. No matter where they are, they stand with us, and that is immensely meaningful.”
Jacob Bethell played a pivotal role in the run chase, scoring 40 runs off 46 balls while batting at number four, despite it being only his fifth Test match. Speaking after the match, he reflected,
“Contributing to a victory under pressure was an extraordinary feeling. Playing on such a big stage for the first time, in front of nearly 92,000 to 93,000 spectators over the last two days, was truly special.”
| Team | Result | Notable Performances | Crowd Attendance |
| England | Won by 4 wickets (chasing 175) | Harry Brook, Jamie Smith, Jacob Bethell (40 off 46) | 92,000–93,000 |
| Australia | Lost | – | – |
| Series Score | England 1 – Australia 3 | – | – |
This victory has narrowed the series margin to 3-1, giving England fans renewed optimism as the Ashes battle heads to its final encounter in Sydney. With calm batting, strategic aggression, and unwavering team spirit, England’s performance in Melbourne will be remembered as a defining moment of the series.
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