Ben Stokes hailed England’s Boxing Day Test triumph at the MCG as a ‘pretty special feeling,’ marking the end of a 15-year winless streak in Australia for the team. The challenging chase in the fourth innings culminated in a hard-fought victory, with the captain admitting the closing moments were fraught with tension. ’10 runs has never felt so far away, when I got out,’ Stokes confessed, expressing his relief at being part of the on-field celebration rather than watching from the sidelines. He contrasted this success with previous difficult tours, underscoring the magnitude of finally achieving a Test victory on Australian soil. The emotional significance was palpable as the entire squad gathered to witness the final plays, a moment of shared release and celebration. Stokes articulated the team’s collective joy, stating, ‘finally, finally we’ve won one.’ He detailed England’s proactive game plan for the run chase, emphasizing the need to put immediate pressure on Australia. The captain singled out the opening partnership between Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett as instrumental, providing a crucial platform for the chase. He pointed out that the successful accumulation of runs involved smart running between the wickets and well-placed singles and twos, not just aggressive hitting. Stokes also explained the rationale behind promoting Brydon Carse to number three, a tactical move to navigate the tricky new ball phase. Though the specific plan for Carse didn’t fully pan out, Stokes felt it aided Jacob Bethell, who then played a crucial, composed innings. Stokes was particularly impressed by Bethell’s bravery and his fearless approach, which unsettled the Australian bowlers. This landmark win is a testament to the team’s resilience and the development of their players, instilling a strong sense of pride.
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