Melbourne, 27 December 2025:
England produced a stunning two-day victory in the fourth Ashes Test, defeating Australia by four wickets at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on Saturday as fast bowler Josh Tongue starred in a low-scoring contest dominated by pace and seam movement.
Tongue claimed match figures of 7 for 89, including a five-wicket haul in Australia’s first innings, to set up England’s first Test win in Australia in 18 matches. Chasing a modest target of 175, England reached 178 for six midway through the second day to keep the Ashes series alive, although Australia still lead the five-match contest 3–1.
Australia were bundled out for 152 in their first innings after England captain Ben Stokes elected to field on a lively MCG surface. Tongue ripped through the top order, removing Jake Weatherald, Marnus Labuschagne, Steven Smith and Scott Boland, while Gus Atkinson provided key support with two wickets. Michael Neser top-scored with 35 to give Australia some respectability.
England fared little better with the bat in reply, collapsing to 110 as Scott Boland and Michael Neser exploited the conditions. Harry Brook’s brisk 41 was the lone bright spot as England conceded a 42-run first-innings deficit.
The match turned decisively on the second day when Australia, under pressure to bat time, were dismissed for 132 in their second innings. Travis Head fought back with a fluent 46, but Tongue struck twice again and Brydon Carse claimed four wickets to keep Australia’s lead within reach.
England’s chase was aggressive and controlled. Openers Zak Crawley (37) and Ben Duckett (34) put on a rapid 51 to blunt the new ball. After wickets fell at regular intervals, Jacob Bethell anchored the innings with a composed 40, while Harry Brook added an unbeaten 18 to steer England home. Jamie Smith hit the winning runs as England sealed victory at 178 for six.
Tongue was named player of the match for his decisive spell with the ball, as England collected 12 World Test Championship points from a memorable Boxing Day Test that ended in just two days in front of more than 92,000 spectators.
The fifth and final Test will determine whether England can finish the tour with momentum, while Australia will look to reassert dominance after a rare home defeat.
Scores in Brief
4th Test, The Ashes, Melbourne (Dec 26–27)
Australia 152 & 132
England 110 & 178/6
England won by four wickets
Player of the Match: Josh Tongue (England) – 5/45 & 2/44
