England ended an 18-match winless streak in Australia and avoided an Ashes clean sweep in a staggering and absurd two-day Test in Melbourne. In one of the most bizarre matches ever played, England chased 175 to win on the second evening of the fourth Test, leaving the series at 3-1 before the finale in Sydney. In devilishly difficult batting conditions, England's Bazballers revelled in the chaos as they finally found a situation in Australia to suit their freewheeling method. They reached their target inside 33 overs, England's four-wicket victory delighting the thousands of travelling fans who finally have something to celebrate on a hitherto miserable tour. The chance of a first Test victory in Australia since 2011 was created when England dismissed the home side for 132 in their second innings at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG).

Source: BBC December 27, 2025 18:53 UTC