Ending a 15-year wait, England has achieved a memorable Test victory over Australia at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on Boxing Day. Captain Ben Stokes described the atmosphere and the outcome as a “pretty special feeling” following the successful pursuit of a challenging fourth-innings target.
The final moments of the game were nerve-wracking, with Stokes admitting, “10 runs has never felt so far away, when I got out.” The relief and joy were palpable, especially for a squad that has faced significant challenges on previous Australian tours. The unique celebration, with the entire team emerging from the dressing room to watch the conclusion together, spoke volumes about the significance of this long-awaited win. “Finally, finally we’ve won one,” Stokes shared, reflecting the collective sentiment.
England adopted a proactive batting strategy in the fourth innings, a decision Stokes believed was essential to put pressure on Australia’s bowlers. “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. He highlighted the vital role of the opening partnership between Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett, which provided a strong foundation. The skipper emphasized that smart running between the wickets, converting ones and twos, was just as crucial as hitting boundaries in their successful chase.
A tactical masterstroke saw Brydon Carse promoted to number three, a move designed to counter the difficulties presented by the new ball on the challenging MCG pitch. Stokes recognized the potential impact of such a player, even with a short, sharp contribution. This strategic deployment, he felt, helped set the stage for Jacob Bethell’s impressive performance. Bethell’s composed knock of 40 off 26 balls, particularly his bravery in taking on the bowlers, was highly praised by Stokes.
Stokes commended Bethell’s courage, especially his aggressive shot over the covers early on. “You have got to be brave and courageous in, in the way that you play the game, especially on a wicket like that,” he stated. The captain added that such displays of intent can significantly unsettle bowlers. This victory, achieved by a team featuring a mix of established stars and new talent, marks a significant milestone and a moment of immense pride for English cricket.
