Category: Sports

India skipper Harmanpreet Kaur has etched her name into the record books by becoming the most successful captain in women’s T20 internationals, surpassing former Australia leader Meg Lanning. The 36-year-old played down this personal milestone, emphasizing that it was achieved through the collective effort of her teammates.

Harmanpreet reached this landmark during India’s dominant eight-wicket victory over Sri Lanka in the third T20I of the five-match series at the Greenfield International Stadium in Thiruvananthapuram. With this win, she boasts 77 victories from 130 matches as captain, moving past Lanning’s tally of 76 wins from 100 matches at the helm of Australia.

“That is something I never thought would happen. As a captain, you always aim to win World Cups or win series, but becoming the most successful T20 captain—that is something which I never thought, but I’m very grateful, and I would like to give all credit to my team. They’ve been outstanding. It’s because of them that we keep winning. It’s just a beginning for all of us. I know the next big thing is coming up (T20 World Cup), and hopefully, we’ll continue the same winning momentum and keep winning for Team India,” Harmanpreet Kaur said in a video released by BCCI.

This record adds another highlight to a standout year for the Indian captain. Earlier in November, she led India to their maiden Women’s ODI World Cup title, guiding the team to a memorable 52-run victory over South Africa in the final at the Dr. D.Y. Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai.

Reflecting on the latest win against Sri Lanka, Harmanpreet expressed satisfaction with the team’s all-round performance. She noted that the confidence gained from such displays would be crucial as the Indian side builds toward the Women’s T20 World Cup scheduled for June 2026.

“It was a great series for all of us. That’s what we discussed when we got together after the World Cup: we have to raise our standard. Be a little more aggressive in T20, we all know the T20 World Cup is coming up; this is the right time to push ourselves, so really happy with the overall performance,” said Harmanpreet.

“If you keep ticking all the boxes in your bowling department, you have more chances to win the game. Today, we are in this position because of our bowlers. Credit goes to all our bowling lineup, the way they bowled in this series,” she added.

India and Sri Lanka will next face off on Sunday for the fourth T20I at the same venue in Trivandrum.

Dhaka Capitals assistant coach Mahbub Ali Zaki died on Saturday after collapsing suddenly at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium minutes before his team’s opening Bangladesh Premier League match against Rajshahi Warriors.

Team staff and medical personnel immediately administered cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) after Zaki, 59, collapsed during his team’s pre-match preparation. He was taken by ambulance to Al Haramain Hospital, where he was declared dead.

The match proceeded as scheduled, with players, coaches, and match officials observing a minute’s silence for Zaki. “The Bangladesh Cricket Board deeply mourns the passing of Mahbub Ali Zaki (59), Specialist Pace Bowling Coach of the BCB Game Development Department and Assistant Coach of Dhaka Capitals in the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) T20 2026,” stated the BCB.

“He passed away today, 27 December 2025, in Sylhet at around 1:00 PM (afternoon). Mahbub Ali Zaki’s dedication and invaluable contribution to the development of fast bowling and Bangladesh cricket will be remembered with profound respect and gratitude.”

“The Bangladesh Cricket Board extends its deepest condolences to his family, friends, colleagues, and the entire cricketing fraternity at this time of immense loss,” the BCB statement continued.

The sudden collapse shocked everyone at the ground, with team officials remarking that Zaki had not complained of any health issues prior to the incident. Players from several BPL teams, including Sylhet Titans, Noakhali Express, and Chattogram Royals, rushed to the hospital as news of the incident spread through Bangladesh’s cricket community.

Zaki gained prominence in Bangladesh’s cricket circles after working closely with fast bowler Taskin Ahmed when the paceman’s bowling action came under scrutiny during the Men’s T20 World Cup in India in 2016.

A fast bowler during his playing career, Zaki represented Comilla district in the National Cricket Championship and also played for Abahani Limited, Bangladesh’s most decorated club, in the Dhaka Premier League.

Indian women’s hockey stalwart Savita Punia is in a reflective yet determined phase of her career as she prepares for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers.

Building Momentum Ahead of HIL Season

Speaking exclusively before the Hockey India League (HIL) season with Soorma Hockey Club, the experienced goalkeeper discussed her retirement plans, evolving relationship with Rani Rampal, the emergence of young talent, leadership dynamics, and her hopes for World Cup qualification.

Soorma had a strong start to their campaign in the inaugural Women’s Hockey India League last year. They kicked off with a commanding 4-1 victory over the Bengal Tigers, followed by a narrow 2-1 win against the Odisha Warriors, who eventually became champions, before losing 0-2 to Delhi SG Pipers.

In the return fixtures, results were mixed. Soorma rebounded with a 5-1 win over Delhi but then experienced a loss to Odisha in a penalty shootout. They later overcame Bengal 4-2 to secure a spot in the final, where they once again lost to the Odisha Warriors.

Strengthening Bonds on and off the Field

Having played alongside Rani Rampal during the Tokyo Olympics, Soorma Hockey Club co-captain Savita emphasized that their bond remains strong. Their roles have evolved at Soorma, with Rani now serving as a mentor.

“I share a very good relationship with her because we’ve already played together for a long time for India. For quite some time, we were also captain and vice-captain—around three to four years,” Savita noted. “There are certain things where even without speaking much, there’s a lot of mutual understanding. Today she is our team’s mentor, which is definitely a very good thing for the team.”

Savita believes Rani’s presence is especially beneficial for younger players transitioning into senior-level hockey. “After playing for India for so long, becoming our mentor is extremely beneficial, especially for the young athletes,” she added. “On the field, we have very direct, sharp conversations that are effective for the team. Off the field too, if something comes up, we talk it through and resolve it together.”

Spotlight on Emerging Talent

When discussing the next generation at Soorma, Savita highlighted some promising players. “Definitely Sonam and Hina (Bano), and also Nidhi; for me, she’s a really good goalkeeper. Binima (Dhan) is also a great player,” she mentioned. “This platform gives them a chance. If they perform well here, they know it’s a great opportunity to break into the senior team.”

With the Junior World Cup recently concluded and the HIL underway, Savita feels the timing is ideal. “This is the right time for them to perform well and make their way into the senior side.”

Emphasizing Team Culture

Savita credits Soorma Hockey Club’s culture as essential for individual and collective growth. “Last season was really, really good for us both as a team and as individuals. The environment here helps everyone. Just looking at our staff makes us want to do better because of the support, motivation, and clarity they provide,” she explained.

She praised head coach Jude Menezes, the analytical staff, and the high-performance unit for creating a supportive atmosphere. “I always believe that if the environment is good, then even if I don’t perform well one day, because my team and staff are so supportive, I might not even need a psychologist the next day. I can overcome it myself.”

Discussing the off-the-field atmosphere, Savita noted, “We joke around a lot, which builds strong connections. Players like Baljeet, Nisha, and Mumtaz joined us this season, and we were genuinely happy. We really want to show everyone how good the Soorma environment is.”

Shared Leadership Approach

Sharing captaincy responsibilities has eased pressure on individuals. “For me, it doesn’t really matter whether you are captain or not. What’s important is that if you’re a senior player, you have to take responsibility,” she stated. “Nobody needs to tell you, ‘Savita, you have to do this.’ You learn from your seniors, and it becomes an automatic responsibility.”

She stressed that leadership at Soorma is collective. “Honestly, there is no stress about being captain or co-captain here because everyone is involved in some way. Otherwise, usually the captain carries extra pressure and sometimes can’t play her natural game. That’s not the case here,” Savita shared.

Aiming for World Cup Qualification

With India yet to qualify for next year’s World Cup, Savita made it clear that the team’s mindset is uncompromising. “As players, we are always hopeful. But more than that, in our hearts and minds, there is no other option. For us, it’s a must-win situation—do or die,” she asserted.

She believes the team has the potential to aim higher than mere qualification. “Our target is not just qualification but finishing on the podium. Qualification is just the first step.”

Fitness is also a key focus. “Some players are in rehab, so that’s an area of concern. The HIL is a very good platform just before the qualifiers,” she explained. “When you play with a free mind, you realize your true capacity—and that helps us prepare better for the World Cup.”

Contemplating Retirement

Savita candidly admitted that retirement has crossed her mind a few times. “Honestly, I’ve contemplated retirement twice before,” she said.

The first time was after India failed to qualify for the Paris Olympics. “I thought about retiring after the Paris Olympics because we had so much hope of qualifying. Our preparation was very good, but it was a setback for me. I felt that after so many years of hard work, it was important to end on a good note.”

Family support ultimately motivated her to continue. “If my husband and family are with me, then what is there to fear?” she stated.

The second instance came after the previous HIL season, influenced by family commitments. “I’m a very family-oriented person. My parents have supported me so much, and now my in-laws also need me,” she said.

Looking Ahead

For now, Savita is clear about her immediate future. “Right now, I’m only thinking up to HIL 2026 and then the Asian Games. We’ll see after that. Definitely not LA, but the Asian Games for sure.”

At a stage when many athletes begin to wind down, Savita remains focused, grounded by experience, strengthened by support, and driven by unresolved ambitions in Indian hockey.

Australia’s seam-bowling all-rounder Kim Garth expressed that the pain from the ODI World Cup semi-final defeat to India still lingers within the team. She emphasized that hosting a multi-format series against India, scheduled from February to March, presents an exciting challenge for the Australian squad.

In a thrilling semi-final in Navi Mumbai, India overcame Australia by five wickets to claim victory and eventually lift the trophy. “Definitely, I think that one certainly still hurts a bit. That semi-final loss, India are obviously a very good team. So look, I think every time we play India, it’s always a good game of cricket,” Garth stated.

She shared her thoughts about the upcoming series and how it comprises three ODIs, three T20s, and a Test match within a month across various conditions in Australia. “So I think to have obviously three one-dayers, three T20s and a Test match in the space of a month and in different conditions all around Australia is going to be really exciting,” Kim remarked to ABC Sport during the fourth Ashes Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG).

Garth also emphasized the increasing competitiveness in women’s cricket, noting that teams are closing the gap against top sides like Australia. “It’s an interesting one. Obviously, it’s been a very dominant team for so long, but I think all teams are just improving, and we’re seeing a lot more competitive games, which is really exciting. In World Cups, they all seem to be a lot closer.”

Reflecting on Australia’s past successes, she added, “Australia went through a period there for a while where they pretty much won everything and now they don’t hold either of the 50-over or T20 World Cup, which is the first time for a long time I think that that’s happened.”

Despite the sting of the World Cup loss, Garth sees opportunity for growth in women’s cricket. “But look, I think it’s really exciting for women’s cricket. Obviously, still, as I said before, still hurting a bit from that World Cup loss, but I think it’s only a good thing for the game.”

Garth remains optimistic about the talent emerging in the Australian team. “Very well, I think. Honestly, there’s so much talent in that group and so much coming through. I just can’t wait to see in years to come how all these girls – the likes of Phoebe Litchfield and Annabel Sutherland develop in coming years.”

She added that the upcoming series against India is highly anticipated. “It’s about the next lot coming through as well. To see how that plays out, it’s going to be very exciting. But as I said, the India series is something to look forward to, and I think it’ll be a really good test for us.”

Regarding the two teams playing a Test match, Garth feels there should be more longer-format games in women’s international cricket. “I think so. Look, I know the players certainly want more Test cricket. We all love playing Test matches. So I can’t see why not (more of it).”

She reminisced about a thrilling Test match. “I think we’ve had some brilliant women’s Test matches over the years. Particularly, I think back to that Ashes Test in England, I think it was 2023, went the full five days with some brilliant cricket played across all five days. So I mean, I personally can’t see why not and selfishly, obviously want to play a lot more Test cricket, so hopefully (more of it).”

Currently taking a break, Kim will soon travel to India to play for the Gujarat Giants (GG) in WPL 2026. “At this current point in time, obviously had a bit of time off over Christmas, which was lovely after a pretty hectic few months. Then, a large chunk of the girls are heading off to India next week to play in the WPL over there, which is always very exciting. Then about a week later, we start that multi-format series at home against India. So that’ll be a great series as well,” she concluded.

Australia’s stand-in captain Steve Smith acknowledged that an additional 50 or 60 runs across both innings could have changed the outcome of the fourth Ashes Test, which England won by four wickets, marking their first victory in Australia since 2011.

Match Summary

England successfully chased down 175 to beat Australia by four wickets at the Melbourne Cricket Ground in just two days. The visitors bowled out the hosts for 132, with Brydon Carse taking 4-34 and captain Ben Stokes contributing 3-24, before completing the chase in 32.2 overs.

Despite England’s win, Australia maintains a comfortable 3-1 lead in the series. “Tricky one. Obviously a very quick game! Had we got 50 or 60 more across both innings then we might have been there at the end but credit to England, they came out today, bowled really well this morning and didn’t let us get away,” Smith remarked after the match.

He further noted that the pitch had been overly conducive to bowlers, complicating matters for batters trying to settle in. “It did a fair amount for the whole game. Just probably when the ball softened after a few lusty blows from their top order, it went a little bit less, but without that, it was still going to offer plenty,” he said.

Smith added, “I think (it was in favour of the bowlers) a little bit too much. It was tricky, no-one could really get in. When you see 36 wickets across two days, that’s probably too much. Maybe taking a bit of grass off or easing the preparation slightly would’ve helped. But that’s how it was, and we just had to adapt,” he concluded.

England’s Historic Win at the MCG

England pacer Josh Tongue expressed his delight after securing a match-winning five-wicket haul and having his name etched on the honors board at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. This victory marked England’s Test match win in Australia after 15 years.

Tongue was awarded player of the match for his impressive figures of 5-45 and 2-44, leading England to a remarkable four-wicket win over Australia in just two days. “It’s what dreams are made of. Obviously waking up on Boxing Day, a few nerves. But to get a fifer and get my name on the honors board, it’s a very special feeling. It was with 95,000 people yesterday,” he shared.

He praised the support from the Barmy Army, saying, “They have been unbelievable these past four games. And especially here as well, in front of 95,000 people, it’s amazing being in the moment for them. 100%.”

Reflecting on his journey, Tongue opened up about his injury struggles that almost cut his career short. “I was in a tough situation with my body and stuff (on his past injuries). I was potentially retiring, but I’m glad that I put in the hard work to get myself back playing cricket. And now playing for England, it’s all that I’ve always wanted to do.”

When asked about his favorite dismissal, Tongue chose to commend all his scalps rather than point out a single wicket. “I’d say all of them. Obviously, coming to the ground on the first day, we knew it was going to be great. It suits us, and how we all bowled out there, making sure we broke our lengths. I thought all of our bowlers did exceptionally well, and to be part of a Test match winning team here at the MCG, I can’t be happy enough.”

Jacob Bethell’s Impactful Performance

Young batting all-rounder Jacob Bethell, who top-scored with 40 in the successful chase of 175, shared his excitement about making a mark in England’s victory. “It was lovely to come in and have an impact, and what matters most is that it contributed to a win. I’ve faced him (Starc) a little before, so I kind of knew what to expect, but it definitely feels a lot quicker when it’s nipping around. Still, a great experience to test yourself in conditions like that.”

Discussing his approach following his first innings dismissal, Bethell remarked, “In the first innings, I probably didn’t commit enough to my plans and didn’t have enough conviction. In the second innings, it was pretty clear, especially chasing a tricky total – that we had to be more proactive, put their bowlers off their lengths early, and stick to that approach.”

Addressing his reverse scoop in the first over after tea, Bethell said, “It wasn’t the best hit, but with the keeper up and third man quite wide, I thought that was the best thing to get back into rhythm quickly and trust my options, so it’s pretty surreal.”

Bethell reflected on his connection with Joe Root, stating, “I’d bumped into him (Root) a few times on the circuit before and our dads actually played together, so it’s pretty special to share a Test match experience with him now. Would’ve loved to finish the job together today, but just to be out there with him was unbelievable.”

He concluded with thoughts on growth: “I think it’s about taking confidence, learning from the moments that went well, and understanding what worked under pressure. Hopefully, it’s something I can build on for the rest of my career.”

The second season of the Women’s Hockey India League is set to enhance women’s hockey standards when it takes place in Ranchi from December 28 to January 10, 2026. Following the success of the first edition, which attracted packed audiences and thrilling matches, this season will showcase India’s top players alongside international stars in a fast-paced schedule.

Venue and Format

The women’s league will be held exclusively at the Marang Gomke Jaipal Singh Astro Turf Hockey Stadium in Ranchi. Four franchises—Ranchi Royals, SG Pipers, JSW Soorma Hockey Club, and Shrachi Bengal Tigers—will compete for the title. The tournament will follow a double round-robin format, with each team facing the others twice during the league phase. The top two teams will advance to the Grand Final set for January 10, 2026.

Last Season’s Highlights

Last season saw Odisha Warriors clinch the inaugural Women’s Hockey India League title, with JSW Soorma Hockey Club finishing as runners-up in a closely contested final. The upcoming season promises to be equally competitive, especially as JSW Soorma Hockey Club aims to build on their strong league performance and push for the title.

Fans can look forward to seeing both Indian internationals and top players from hockey powerhouses such as the Netherlands, Argentina, Belgium, Australia, Spain, and Great Britain.

Franchise Ambitions

Ranchi Royals will utilize their home advantage in their quest for victory, while Shrachi Bengal Tigers and SG Pipers will also vie for the prestigious title after finishing third and fourth, respectively, last season.

The opening match will feature the hosts, Ranchi Royals, against SG Pipers under the lights on December 28, 2025, kicking off 13 days of thrilling women’s hockey before enthusiastic crowds in Jharkhand. Over the 13 matches, the league aims to highlight fast-paced, aggressive hockey while providing a significant platform for young Indian players to compete at an international level.

Inspiring Future Generations

The second season of the Women’s Hockey India League aims to bolster India’s reputation as a world-class hockey center and encourage young girls to take up the sport.

Player Statements

Ahead of the competition, Ranchi Royals Captain Nikki Pradhan expressed excitement, stating, “We are proud to begin the new season on home turf in Ranchi, where the passion for hockey is unmatched. Our group is excited to set the tone for the league with fearless, attacking hockey from the very first whistle. As captain, my focus is on creating a tight, trusting unit where every player feels empowered to express herself. If we stick to our structure and enjoy the big moments, the results will take care of themselves.”

SG Pipers Captain Navneet Kaur shared her thoughts, saying, “There is a bounce-back mindset within the SG Pipers group this season, and that intent has been visible from the start. The squad is balanced with a blend of international experience and Indian players, which provides depth across positions. Training under Sofie Gierts is structured and demanding. The sessions are clear in purpose, focusing on discipline, defensive organization, and collective responsibility. This has created an environment where players are competitive and aligned with the direction the team is taking.”

Soorma Hockey Club Captain Savita noted, “Coming so close to the title last season has only sharpened our resolve. JSW Soorma Hockey Club has unfinished business in this league, and we are determined to turn last year’s pain into this year’s motivation. We want to inspire fans with our style of hockey and show that Soorma can finish the job this time.” Co-captain Salima Tete added, “For us, it’s about playing with intent every minute. We have the quality across the squad, and if we stay disciplined, control the midfield and back ourselves in key moments, we believe we can go all the way this season.”

Shrachi Bengal Tigers captain Vandana Katariya also remarked, “This is a special group with a strong Bengal identity and a real hunger to prove ourselves against the best. The Tigers will bring speed, flair and a lot of heart to every contest. We respect every opponent, but we fear none. If we stay brave on the ball, defend as a unit and keep our composure in crunch moments, Shrachi Bengal Tigers can be a serious contender for the title.”

England captain Ben Stokes expressed that it felt “really special” to emerge victorious in the fourth Ashes Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, praising his team’s focus and intensity.

England ended a 14-year wait for a Test match win in Australia, securing a four-wicket triumph on the second day of play in Melbourne. This result marked a significant turnaround after three consecutive defeats and growing scrutiny over the team’s preparation and conduct during their mid-series break in Noosa.

“It’s been a massive effort from everyone, and to come out on the right side of the result feels really special. Hopefully, it means a lot. We play for a lot of people – not just ourselves. The support we get, wherever we go in the world, is incredible,” Stokes said after the match.

England bowled Australia out for 132 in their second innings, setting themselves a target of 175 runs, which they completed while losing six wickets. “Definitely very satisfying. There was a fair bit going on in the build-up to this match, a lot being thrown our way. For the lads to come out, stay focused, and perform the way they did says a lot about the character in this team.

“Huge credit to the players, support staff, and management for keeping everyone locked in on what mattered – playing good cricket. We knew it wasn’t going to be a straightforward chase. The pitch had plenty in it, and the bowlers were always in the game.

“The message was to stay positive, not let the bowlers settle, and make them keep running in and hitting those tough areas. I thought the way we balanced intent with discipline was brilliant. It took courage, but the lads handled it superbly,” he elaborated.

The standout performers for England included pacer Josh Tongue, who recorded figures of 5-45 and 2-44, while young batting all-rounder Jacob Bethell top-scored with 40 in the successful chase. “Josh has been outstanding. To come out on Boxing Day in front of a massive crowd and take five wickets, that’s something really special.

“Every time he’s pulled on an England shirt, he’s given everything. Bethell as well – the partnership he helped build in tricky conditions was really important. Seeing younger players stand up in moments like this is fantastic,” Stokes concluded.

England registered a Boxing Day comeback win at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, clinching a famous four-wicket victory over Australia. This marks their first Test win on Australian soil in 19 matches and injects new life into the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2025–2027 race.

Significance of the Win

Despite Australia having already secured a 3-0 Ashes series victory before the match started, this result is a significant boost for Ben Stokes and his team. It importantly ended Australia’s unbeaten record in the current WTC cycle, giving other competitors a chance to catch up.

World Test Championship Standings

Before the Melbourne Test match, Australia was sitting atop the World Test Championship table with a perfect 100% points percentage (PCT). Following their defeat, their points percentage dropped to 85.71%, but they remain comfortably in first place. This loss has allowed New Zealand and South Africa to close the gap, currently positioned at second and third with PCTs of 77.78% and 75%, respectively.

England received 12 additional points for this Test match; however, they will need substantial effort to qualify for the final. Despite the win, England’s PCT stands at only 35.18%, placing them seventh on the World Test Championship table, significantly behind the top five teams. Yet, the victory has boosted England’s momentum and belief in their ability to improve their standings in the WTC cycle.

Current Rankings

As it stands, India is in sixth place with a PCT of 48.15%. With Australia and New Zealand showing the fastest pace of play, India will need to deliver high-performance levels in upcoming matches to break into the top two.

Next Match

The Ashes Series will move to the Sydney Cricket Ground for the fifth and final Test Match on January 4. Australia will aim to regain control of both the series and their WTC campaign, while England will strive to carry forward the momentum from their Melbourne performance to enhance their position in the WTC Championship standings.

Joe Root expressed pride in England’s character and bravery shown with the bat, as they achieved a significant milestone by winning their first Test match on Australian soil since 2011. The English team secured a four-wicket victory against Australia in the Boxing Day Test match at the MCG.

This victory also marked England’s first Test series win in Australia since January 2011 at the SCG. It was a historic moment for Root, as it marked his first Test win in Australia after 18 matches. For skipper Ben Stokes, this was his initial win in Australia after 13 Tests.

“Obviously to lose the series is very disappointing but it was really important we showed a lot of character for the rest of the series,” Root shared in an interview with Isa Guha following the match. “There’s been a lot thrown at this team … clearly it was a very fast-forward Test match with the surface we were presented with, but I think we adapted to it as much as we could and exploited it when we got the opportunities.”

England concluded the fourth Test match of the Ashes in under two days, successfully chasing down the target of 175 runs in just 32.2 overs on day two. However, the Ashes trophy remains elusive. The match was predominantly influenced by the fast bowlers from both sides, on a pitch that favored them, with no overs bowled by a spinner.

Early on, England set the tone by opting to bowl first on a grassy pitch. They quickly capitalized on this decision, with Josh Tongue spearheading the bowling attack and taking five wickets, dismissing Australia for 152 in their first innings. Australia responded strongly, bowling England out for only 110 runs in their first innings, taking a 42-run lead into the second innings with Michael Neser claiming four wickets and Scott Boland taking three.

Entering the second day, Australia seemed in control, having not lost a wicket in their second innings. However, on day two, Brydon Carse’s wicket of top-scorer Travis Head (46) triggered a downslide, with Australia losing four wickets for just 37 runs. The innings ended with Steve Smith remaining not out on 24.

Chasing 175 runs, England maintained a positive approach from the start, with Duckett and Crawley being particularly aggressive. Duckett struck 34 runs off just 26 balls, while Crawley contributed quickly with 37 runs. After Root and Stokes were dismissed in quick succession, Australia appeared to rally, but England held their ground, with Jacob Bethell scoring an impressive 40 and Harry Brook remaining unbeaten on 18, leading England to victory.

“We showed a bit of bravery today with the way we approached things with the bat, and that’s why we won the Test match,” Root stated. “I’ve been on the wrong side a lot here, so you know what to expect; you know how good Australia are in their own conditions. But the fact we managed to get across the line today is excellent, and hopefully, we can improve on this next week.”

The series now heads to Sydney for the fifth and final Test starting January 4.