Stokes Leads England to Historic Ashes Triumph Down Under

On Saturday, Ben Stokes expressed a sense of relief as he and his English cricket team ended over a decade of struggles in Australia by securing a much-needed Test victory in Melbourne.

After facing harsh criticism following their losses in the first three Ashes Tests—and amid rumors of players turning a mid-tour break in Noosa into a boisterous party—England’s prospects of a comeback at the Melbourne Cricket Ground seemed slim.

With key players like Jofra Archer injured and Gus Atkinson suffering a hamstring strain on the second day, England had to fight hard to contain Australia and successfully chase a challenging target of 175 runs on a difficult wicket for batters.

Ultimately, with the Barmy Army in full voice, Stokes could finally savor a Test win on Australian soil, even as the Ashes urn had already been retained by the hosts after the third Test in Adelaide.

Stokes remarked on the significance of England’s first Test win in Australia since January 2011: “I think it will mean a hell of a lot to everyone who has been involved.”

He added, “For those of us, like Joe Root and myself, who have come here multiple times only to be on the losing side, and for everyone sharing this moment, winning a game here is deeply satisfying. And to do so during a Boxing Day Test, which is such a prominent event, adds to the emotions attached to this victory.”

During their initial Ashes tour, both Stokes and Root were part of the England team that suffered a 5-0 whitewash in the 2013/14 series at the hands of Mitchell Johnson and the fierce Australian squad.

Although Stokes missed the 4-0 defeat in the 2017/18 tour due to legal issues—of which he was eventually cleared—he returned for the 2021/22 series, only to face another 4-0 loss.

While Australia aimed for another whitewash in the current series, the Melbourne pitch thwarted their plans, allowing England to finally come together.

After England’s bowlers dismissed Australia for 132 in their second innings on the second day, the previously struggling top order made quick work of Australia’s pace attack, scoring at an aggressive rate.

This approach softened the ball’s seam, reduced its movement, and enabled the middle order to secure the victory on day two.

England has executed some remarkable chases in the past, like the 371-run target to beat India at Headingley. However, Stokes felt that the 175-run chase in Melbourne was particularly impressive, considering the pitch conditions and the team’s off-field challenges.

“Chasing down 170 on a tricky wicket was never going to be easy,” Stokes commented. “Taking into account the match buildup, the pitch conditions, and the fact that chasing 170 felt more like 340, it’s a testament to how well we handled the challenge, preventing a very competent bowling attack from settling.”

Published on Dec 27, 2025