England Win Staggering Two-Day Test in Melbourne

Published: 27 December 2025. The English Chronicle Desk. The English Chronicle Online

In one of the most bizarre and unforgettable Test matches in recent memory, England finally ended their 18-match winless streak in Australia with a four-wicket victory over Australia at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. The astonishing win came in a mere two days, preventing Australia from completing a clean sweep in the Ashes series and leaving the series at 3-1 ahead of the final Test in Sydney.

The conditions were brutal for batting, with the pitch providing little to no assistance to the players, but England’s aggressive, freewheeling “Bazball” approach proved perfectly suited to the chaos. The visiting side was tasked with chasing a modest total of 175 runs to win after Australia was bowled out for 132 in their second innings. The run chase was completed in just 33 overs, with England finishing on 178-6, securing a thrilling win that delighted their travelling fans.

Australia’s second innings had a distinctly uncomfortable feel, as they struggled to reach a total that would provide any significant challenge to England. The Australian batsmen were helpless against Brydon Carse (4-34) and Ben Stokes (3-24), who put on a brilliant display with the ball. The loss of Gus Atkinson, who sustained a hamstring injury during the match, left England with an additional injury concern ahead of the Sydney Test, but the bowling performance was more than enough to set up the dramatic chase.

England’s response with the bat began with a powerful start, as openers Ben Duckett and Zak Crawley made quick runs in their highest partnership of the series. Duckett (34) and Crawley (37) got the chase off to an aggressive start, putting Australia on the back foot. The surprise pinch-hitter was Brydon Carse, who came in at number three after England had already laid a solid foundation. His unexpected role provided a further element of surprise for the Australians.

Jacob Bethell, who was recalled to the team for this Test, played a crucial knock, scoring 40 runs and providing a steady hand in the middle order. The excitement was palpable as the winning runs came off the thigh pad of Harry Brook, sending the England supporters into a frenzy as they celebrated an improbable victory. The match’s surreal nature was summed up by the fact that the winning runs came not from a clean shot, but from an unintentional deflection, adding to the absurdity of this two-day spectacle.

The dramatic victory in Melbourne ensured England avoided a complete humiliation on their Ashes tour. The win, which came under extreme pressure and in the most unpredictable of circumstances, also showed that England’s aggressive style can thrive even in the most challenging conditions. The team now heads into the final Test in Sydney with newfound momentum and a sense of achievement, while Australia remains firmly in control of the series with a 3-1 lead.

With the Ashes series still up for grabs, all eyes will be on the fifth and final Test in Sydney, where England will aim to continue their fightback. The incredible win in Melbourne, however, will remain etched in history as one of the most unpredictable and bizarre Tests ever played.