England End 15-Year Drought with Gritty Melbourne Triumph, Australia lead series 3-1

 

England had already lost the series, and the looming threat of a humiliating whitewash hung heavy over Ben Stokes’ side. In Melbourne, however, they finally found redemption. Inside two dramatic days, England stunned Australia to register a memorable Test victory, their first on Australian soil in 15 long years.

It took 5,468 days and 18 Tests for England to break the drought Down Under. Their previous Test win in Australia had come during the 2010–11 tour, at Sydney—a historic series in which England not only won matches but conquered the Ashes outright. That campaign had also brought success in Melbourne. Fifteen years later, fittingly, it was the same venue that offered England a chance to shed years of frustration and failure.

On their last three tours of Australia, England had lost 13 of 15 Tests. This tour seemed destined for a similar fate after defeats in the first three matches revived fears of another clean sweep. Stokes and his men ensured that ignominy was avoided. A composed four-wicket win lifted spirits, restored pride, and drew loud cheers for the England captain from the stands at the MCG. Australia’s dream of repeating their 2013–14 whitewash remained unfulfilled.

Australia collapsed spectacularly in their second innings, bowled out for just 132 in 34.3 overs. Opener Travis Head fought a lone battle with 46, while captain Steve Smith made 24 and Cameron Green 19. No other batter reached double figures. The innings was also marred by controversy, with Marnus Labuschagne visibly unhappy with a third-umpire decision that ended his stay. England’s bowlers were relentless—Brydon Carse led the charge with four wickets, supported ably by Stokes’ three, Tongue’s two, and one from Atkinson.

Chasing a target of 175, England still faced scepticism, especially after their fragile first-innings batting. Those doubts were swiftly erased by an assured opening stand. For the first time in the series, Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett looked fluent and confident. Duckett, in particular, set the tone with a bold counter-attack, taking on Mitchell Starc from the outset—ironically the bowler who had dismissed him repeatedly this series. Duckett struck 34 from 26 balls before falling to Starc, while Crawley contributed a steady 37.

Jacob Bethell, drafted in for Ollie Pope, made the most of his opportunity with a vital 40. Australia tried everything—bowling changes, fielding adjustments, altered tactics—but nothing worked. Their bowlers also conceded 19 extras, a costly lapse in a tight chase. Joe Root added 15 , and although wickets fell late, the result was never truly in doubt. Ben Stokes departed cheaply to Starc again , but Harry Brook calmly guided England home with an unbeaten 18.

England walked off to applause and renewed belief. Australia were left to reflect on a rare missed opportunity. Melbourne had delivered drama once more—and this time, it belonged to England.