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.