England has finally secured a coveted Test victory on Australian soil, defeating the hosts at the MCG on Boxing Day. Captain Ben Stokes described the win as a “pretty special feeling,” marking the end of a 15-year drought for England in Australia. The team successfully chased a challenging fourth-innings target in difficult conditions, a feat that brought immense relief and satisfaction.
Stokes admitted the closing stages of the match were tense, stating, “10 runs has never felt so far away, when I got out.” He expressed his desire to avoid watching the end from the dressing room, highlighting the emotional weight of the victory. Having experienced difficult tours in the past, Stokes emphasized the significance of finally being on the winning side after such a prolonged period. The entire squad’s emergence from the dressing room to celebrate the final moments together underscored the years of effort and anticipation culminating in this triumph.
Reflecting on their proactive approach to the chase, Stokes noted that it was the only way to counter Australia’s potent bowling attack. “There was only one way of going about, chasing that, that tally down which was to, to go out there and, and try and put the pressure on from ball one,” he explained. The England captain lauded the opening partnership between Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett, deeming it a “huge reason” for their success. He pointed out that the chase wasn’t solely built on boundaries but also on crucial singles and twos, enabled by effective running between the wickets.
England’s strategic decisions were also key, including promoting Brydon Carse to number three. This move was intended to provide impetus against the new ball on a challenging pitch. While Carse’s contribution was brief, Stokes felt it paved the way for Jacob Bethell’s composed and impactful innings. Stokes was particularly impressed by Bethell’s bravery and ability to disrupt the bowlers’ rhythm, especially with his shot over the covers shortly after tea. The captain stressed the importance of courage and decisive play on such a difficult wicket, acknowledging the psychological impact a bold shot can have on a bowler.
This landmark victory holds broader implications for a squad that balances seasoned players with emerging talent. Stokes acknowledged the shared satisfaction within the team, recognizing the prestige of winning a Boxing Day Test. The team is immensely proud of this hard-fought achievement.
