Australia vs England 4th Ashes Test was a spectacle that cricket fans will talk about for years. Played at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) from December 26 to 27, 2025, this Boxing Day Test turned into a whirlwind of drama, with 36 wickets tumbling in just two days. England, staring down the barrel of a potential whitewash after losing the first three Tests, pulled off a remarkable four-wicket victory. This win not only snapped their 15-year wait for a Test triumph on Australian soil but also injected life into the Ashes 2025/26 series, now standing at 3-1 in Australia’s favor.
For followers of IPL Star, your go-to source for niche cricket news, this match was a reminder of how Test cricket can deliver edge-of-the-seat excitement. Despite the urn already secured by Australia, England’s aggressive style—often called Bazball—finally paid dividends on a pitch that favored bowlers like never before. Let’s break it down step by step, from the toss to the final run, with all the key moments, stats, and insights.
Match Summary: A Quick Glance at the Chaos
The Australia vs England 4th Ashes Test was anything but ordinary. Ben Stokes won the toss and elected to bowl first under cloudy skies, hoping to exploit the green-tinged MCG pitch. Australia were bundled out for 152 in their first innings, thanks to Josh Tongue’s maiden five-wicket haul in Australia. England responded with a shaky 110, giving the hosts a 42-run lead. Australia’s second innings crumbled to 132, setting England a target of 175—the highest score of the match.
England’s chase was bold and brisk, reaching 178/6 in just 32.2 overs. This victory marked England’s first Test win in Australia since January 2011 at the Sydney Cricket Ground, ending an 18-match winless streak (16 losses, 2 draws). It was also the second two-day finish in this Ashes series, following the opener in Perth.
For a quick overview, here’s the brief scores:
| Team | 1st Innings | 2nd Innings |
|---|---|---|
| Australia | 152 all out (45.2 overs) | 132 all out (34.3 overs) |
| England | 110 all out (29.5 overs) | 178/6 (32.2 overs) |
Result: England won by 4 wickets.
Player of the Match: Josh Tongue (England) – 5/45 & 2/44.
Series Score: Australia lead 3-1, with the fifth Test at SCG starting January 4, 2026.
This summary captures the essence, but the real story lies in the day-by-day action.
Day 1 Recap: 20 Wickets Fall in a Frenzy of Seam Bowling
Day 1 of the Australia vs England 4th Ashes Test was pure pandemonium. A record crowd of 94,199—the largest ever for a cricket match at the MCG—packed the stands, surpassing even the 2015 ODI World Cup final attendance. The pitch, prepared with 10mm of grass by curator Matt Page, offered wicked seam movement and bounce right from the start.
Ben Stokes’ decision to bowl first paid off initially. Gus Atkinson struck early, dismissing Travis Head for 12. Josh Tongue, introduced as first change, was the star. He claimed Jake Weatherald (10) down the leg side, then removed Marnus Labuschagne (6) and stand-in captain Steve Smith (9) with peaches of deliveries. Usman Khawaja (29) and Alex Carey (20) steadied things briefly, adding 38 runs, but Atkinson and Stokes broke through after lunch.
Cameron Green (17) was run out by a direct hit from Brydon Carse, and Michael Neser top-scored with a counterattacking 35, including four boundaries off one Tongue over. Tongue wrapped up the innings with his fifth wicket, bowling Australia out for 152 in 45.2 overs. England’s bowlers had adapted well to the conditions, hitting fuller lengths than in previous Tests.
England’s reply started disastrously. Mitchell Starc dismissed Ben Duckett (2) early, and Neser—playing his first red-ball Test—ran riot with 4/45. He removed Jacob Bethell (1) and Joe Root (0) in quick succession, leaving England at 16/4. Harry Brook launched a fearless counterattack, smashing 41 off 34 balls with two sixes and two fours. His charge-down-the-track approach embodied Bazball, but Scott Boland (3/30) trapped him lbw.
The middle order folded: Ben Stokes (16), Jamie Smith (2), and Will Jacks (5) all fell cheaply. Gus Atkinson added a handy 28 with three fours and a six, but England were all out for 110 in 29.5 overs. Australia opted for the heavy roller and faced one over, ending the day at 4/0 with a 46-run lead.
This day saw 20 wickets—the joint-third most on an opening day in Australia—and set the tone for a bowler-dominated contest. As Michael Vaughan noted on commentary, the pitch was a “joke” for batsmen, raising early questions about its preparation.
Here’s a table of key stats from Day 1:
| Statistic | Value | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Wickets Fallen | 20 | Joint-third most on Day 1 in Australia |
| Combined Overs Bowled | 75.1 | Second-lowest in Ashes first innings (451 balls) |
| Highest Score | Harry Brook (41) | No half-centuries in the match |
| Record Crowd | 94,199 | Biggest for cricket at MCG |
BBC Sport’s Day 1 report for more visuals.
Day 2 Recap: Collapses, Chases, and Historic Triumph
If Day 1 was frantic, Day 2 of the Australia vs England 4th Ashes Test escalated the drama. Another 92,045 fans watched as the match hurtled to a conclusion. Australia resumed at 4/0, but Gus Atkinson removed nightwatchman Scott Boland (6) early. Tragedy struck when Atkinson limped off with a hamstring injury, ending his series.
Ben Stokes stepped up, bowling Weatherald (5) with an incoming delivery. Marnus Labuschagne (8) took blows on the gloves before edging Tongue to first slip. Travis Head looked fluent with 46 (four fours), but Carse’s scrambled-seam beauty bowled him. Josh Tongue bounced out Khawaja (0), and Carse claimed Carey (4) at second slip.
Steve Smith (24*) and Cameron Green (19) added 31, but Stokes and Carse (4/34) dismantled the tail. Neser (0) and Starc (0) fell in the same over, and Jhye Richardson (7) top-edged to end the innings at 132. Australia’s match aggregate of 284 was their third-lowest in Ashes since WWII.
Set 175 to win, England attacked fearlessly. Zak Crawley (37) and Ben Duckett (34) raced to 51 off 42 balls, with Duckett ramping Neser for six. Starc yorked Duckett, and a surprise promotion of Carse (6) to No. 3 ended quickly. Bethell (40 off 46, five fours) and Crawley steadied with 47 runs, Bethell reverse-scooping Boland after tea.
Boland (2/29) trapped Crawley lbw and had Bethell caught. Joe Root (15) anchored briefly but fell lbw to Richardson (2/22). Stokes (2) edged Starc for the 13th time in Tests, leaving 10 needed. Harry Brook (18) and Jamie Smith (3) finished with leg-byes off Richardson.
The chase, at 5.51 runs per over, was the second-fastest successful 150+ pursuit in Ashes history. England’s win came amid roars from the Barmy Army, a fitting end to a Test that cost Cricket Australia financially due to its brevity.
Day 2 stats in table form:
| Statistic | Value | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Wickets Fallen | 16 | Total match wickets: 36 |
| England’s Chase Run-Rate | 5.51 | Second-highest in 150+ Ashes chases |
| Highest Individual Score | Travis Head (46) | Match-high across all innings |
| Total Attendance | 92,045 | Combined two-day crowd: ~186,244 |
For video highlights, check Cricket Australia’s YouTube recap.
Key Highlights: Moments That Defined the Match
The Australia vs England 4th Ashes Test was packed with unforgettable moments. Here are the standout highlights:
- Tongue’s Five-For Magic: Josh Tongue’s 5/45 in Australia’s first innings was a game-changer. Dismissing Steve Smith through the gate was the pick, earning him Player of the Match honors.
- Brook’s Bazball Blitz: Harry Brook’s 41 off 34 in England’s first innings included charging Starc for a six over extra cover. It revived England’s spirits on a tough day.
- Openers’ Explosive Start in Chase: Crawley and Duckett’s 51 off 42 balls set the tone. Duckett’s scoop for six off Neser was audacious.
- Bethell’s Composed Debut Knock: The 22-year-old’s 40 in the chase, with elegant drives and a reverse-scoop, showed why he’s tipped for stardom.
- Carse’s Double Strike: Brydon Carse’s 4/34 included Neser and Starc in one over, with a stunning one-handed return catch.
- Pitch Drama Unfolds: Uneven bounce led to multiple glove blows and collapses. Vaughan called it “unfair,” while Smith said it softened too quickly.
- Leg-Byes Seal Victory: The winning runs came off Jamie Smith’s thigh pad, sparking muted celebrations but huge relief for England.
- Record Crowds and Short Finish: Over 186,000 attended, but the two-day end meant refunds for Days 3-5 tickets.
- Atkinson’s Injury Blow: The pacer’s hamstring issue added to England’s woes, with Jofra Archer and Mark Wood already out.
- No Half-Century Milestone: First Ashes Test without a 50 since 1981, highlighting the bowler-friendly conditions.
These highlights capture the thrill Fox Sports for more analysis.
Standout Player Performances: Heroes and Heartbreaks
In the Australia vs England 4th Ashes Test, individual brilliance shone through the chaos. Let’s analyze the top performers.
England’s Stars:
- Josh Tongue: The fast bowler was unplayable, taking 7/89 overall. His 5/45 on Day 1 was his first five-for at the MCG in the 21st century for an Englishman. “It’s what dreams are made of,” he said post-match.
- Jacob Bethell: On debut, the left-hander scored 40 in the chase, steadying after early wickets. His partnership with Crawley (47 runs) was crucial. Root praised his “bravery and skill.”
- Harry Brook: Aggressive 41 in first innings and unbeaten 18 in second. He became the fastest to 3,000 Test runs by balls faced (3,468). Strike rate of 86.85 is the highest for anyone with 3,000+ runs.
- Brydon Carse: 5/76 across innings, plus a brave 6 at No. 3. His scrambled-seam delivery to bowl Head was a highlight.
Australia’s Key Contributors:
- Michael Neser: All-round effort with 35 (top score first innings) and 4/45. His seam movement troubled England’s top order.
- Travis Head: Match-high 46 in second innings, plus 12 in first. Looked most comfortable but fell to Carse’s gem.
- Scott Boland: 5/59 overall, thriving at his home ground. Trapped Crawley lbw in the chase.
- Mitchell Starc: 2/55 in chase, including Duckett’s yorker. But went for 55 in 10 overs, unable to dominate as in prior Tests.
Heartbreaks included Root’s duck (his 15th in Tests, seventh vs. Australia) and Australia’s batting collapses. Stokes (18 runs, 4/49) led from the front despite his dismissal.
Performance table:
| Player | Team | Batting | Bowling | Key Impact |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Josh Tongue | England | 1* | 7/89 | POTM, dismantled Australia twice |
| Jacob Bethell | England | 41 runs | – | Stabilized chase on debut |
| Harry Brook | England | 59 runs | – | Aggressive intent, records broken |
| Michael Neser | Australia | 35 runs | 4/45 | Top-scored, wrecked England top order |
| Brydon Carse | England | 10 runs | 5/76 | Key wickets, brave promotion |
Quotes: Stokes called it a “special feeling,” while Smith lamented missed runs.
Pitch Controversy: Too Much Grass or Fair Challenge?
The MCG pitch became the talking point of the Australia vs England 4th Ashes Test. Prepared with 10mm of grass—3mm more than last year’s India Test—it produced excessive seam and bounce, leading to 36 wickets in two days.
Curator Matt Page admitted post-match it was “a touch too much,” blaming weather. The ICC rated it “unsatisfactory,” the first for an Australian venue recently. Players like Vaughan slammed it as a “shocker,” while Broad said it “did too much.” Smith noted it softened after England’s aggressive start, reducing assistance.
Historically, this joins infamous short Tests like 1901/02 at MCG (25 wickets Day 1). But for modern cricket, it sparked debate on balance. External reactions on X (formerly Twitter) echoed this—posts called it “unfair” and “ruining the game.”
Controversy table:
| Aspect | Details | Reactions |
|---|---|---|
| Grass Length | 10mm | “Too much” – Page |
| ICC Rating | Unsatisfactory | First for Aus venue |
| Wickets/Day | 20 (Day 1), 16 (Day 2) | “Joke” – Vaughan |
| Historical Comparison | Third-shortest Ashes (852 balls) | Echoes 1888 short finishes |
Cricket.com.au for curator interview.
Stats Roundup: Records Shattered at the MCG
Stats tell the story of this Australia vs England 4th Ashes Test. No individual 50—the first Ashes without one since 1981. Match aggregate 572: Third-highest without a half-century.
Fastest to 3,000 Test runs (balls faced):
| Player | Balls | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Harry Brook | 3,468 | New record |
| Ben Duckett | 3,474 | Second-fastest |
| Adam Gilchrist | 3,610 | Previous record |
Highest run-rates in 150+ Ashes chases:
| Rate | Team | Venue/Year | Target |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7.23 | Australia | Perth 2025 | 205 |
| 5.50 | England | Melbourne 2025 | 175 |
| 5.38 | Australia | Trent Bridge 2001 | 158 |
Shortest completed Ashes Tests (balls):
| Balls | Venue | Year | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| 788 | Old Trafford | 1888 | England |
| 792 | Lord’s | 1888 | Australia |
| 847 | Perth | 2025 | Australia |
| 852 | Melbourne | 2025 | England |
England’s 18-match winless streak in Australia tied NZ’s record. Brook’s strike rate (86.85) tops all with 3,000+ runs.
Australia’s Boxing Day record since 2011: 10 wins, 3 losses (including this), 2 draws.
These stats highlight the match’s uniqueness. ESPNcricinfo for full stats.
Historical Context: Ending the Long Wait Down Under
This Australia vs England 4th Ashes Test holds a special place in history. England’s last win in Australia was in 2011, under Andrew Strauss. Joe Root, in his 18th Test there, finally tasted victory. Stokes, in his 13th, called it “massive.”
It’s the seventh two-day Ashes Test, and the series’ second (after Perth)—first with multiple since 1890. The MCG has seen short Tests before, like 1901/02 (25 wickets Day 1).
For Australia, the loss prevented a 5-0 whitewash, but exposed batting frailties. Labuschagne’s series average dipped to 24.85, Green’s to 18.66.
Historical milestones table:
| Milestone | Details |
|---|---|
| Winless Streak Ended | 18 Tests for England in Aus |
| Two-Day Finishes in Series | First since 1890 |
| No 50+ Scores | First Ashes since 1981 |
| Fourth Innings Highest | Seventh in Ashes history |
This context adds depth to the win’s significance.
Implications and Reactions: Momentum Shifts to Sydney
The Australia vs England 4th Ashes Test win boosts England ahead of the SCG finale. Avoiding a whitewash restores pride, with Stokes praising the team’s “character.” Injuries hurt—Atkinson joins Archer and Wood on the sidelines—but youngsters like Bethell shine.
For Australia, it’s a reality check. Smith said extra runs could have won it. The short match hit finances, with refunds issued.
Fan reactions on X were electric: “England break 15-year losing streak!” (Cricket World). Media buzzed—BBC called it “staggering,” Fox Sports slammed the pitch.
Outlook: England aim for 3-2, Australia for 4-1. Potential changes: Australia may recall Pat Cummins if fit; England could draft Matthew Potts.
Australia vs England 3rd Test Ashes 2025-26 Recap!
Conclusion: A Test for the Ages
The Australia vs England 4th Ashes Test was Test cricket at its most unpredictable. England’s stunning victory, ending a 15-year drought, proved resilience wins. From Tongue’s heroics to Bethell’s poise, it was a team effort on a controversial pitch.
For IPL Star readers, this reminds us why we love cricket—twists, records, and passion. What’s your take? Comment below, share your favorite moment, or subscribe for more updates. Let’s discuss in the reviews section!
FAQs: Australia vs England 4th Ashes Test 2025/26
1. What was the final result of Australia vs England 4th Ashes Test?
England pulled off a stunning 4-wicket victory in the Australia vs England 4th Ashes Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. Chasing 175 on a difficult pitch, they reached 178/6 in just 32.2 overs, ending a 15-year drought for a Test win in Australia.
2. Why did the Australia vs England 4th Ashes Test finish in only two days?
The Ashes 2025/26 4th Test became the second two-day Ashes Test of the series after a bowler-dominated pitch with 10mm of grass caused 36 wickets to fall. Day 1 saw a record 20 wickets, making it one of the shortest completed Ashes Tests ever (852 balls).
3. Who was named Player of the Match in Australia vs England 4th Ashes Test?
Josh Tongue was awarded Player of the Match in the Australia vs England 4th Ashes Test for his outstanding 7 wickets for 89 runs, including a five-wicket haul (5/45) in Australia’s first innings—the first by an England bowler at the MCG in the 21st century.
4. How did England win the MCG Ashes Test despite trailing the series?
In the England win MCG Ashes Test, aggressive batting powered the chase. Openers Zak Crawley (37) and Ben Duckett (34) added 51 off 42 balls, while debutant Jacob Bethell scored a crucial 40. Harry Brook and Jamie Smith finished the job despite late wickets.
5. What was the Boxing Day Test 2025 result and key scores?
The Boxing Day Test 2025 result saw Australia bowled out for 152 and 132, while England made 110 and 178/6. Travis Head’s 46 was the highest individual score in a match with no half-centuries—the first in an Ashes Test since 1981.
6. Why was the pitch controversial in Australia vs England 4th Ashes Test?
The MCG pitch in the Ashes 2025/26 4th Test received an “unsatisfactory” rating from the ICC due to excessive seam movement and uneven bounce. Curator Matt Page admitted leaving too much grass (10mm), leading to widespread criticism from players and pundits.
7. Which records were broken during the two-day Ashes Test Melbourne?
The two-day Ashes Test Melbourne set several records: joint-third most wickets (20) on Day 1 in Australia, second-highest run-rate (5.51) in a successful 150+ Ashes chase, and a new MCG cricket attendance record of 94,199 on Day 1.
8. How significant was England’s victory in the Australia vs England 4th Ashes Test?
England’s win ended an 18-match winless streak in Australia (tied for the longest ever). It was Joe Root’s first Test victory in Australia across 18 appearances and Ben Stokes’ first in 13, giving the tourists momentum heading into the Sydney finale.
9. Who were the standout performers in Australia vs England 4th Ashes Test?
Besides Josh Tongue Player of the Match, Jacob Bethell impressed on debut with 40, Harry Brook smashed a quick 41 and finished unbeaten, while Brydon Carse took 5/76. For Australia, Michael Neser claimed 4/45 and top-scored with 35.
10. What is the current Ashes 2025/26 series standing after the 4th Test?
Australia still lead 3–1 after the Australia vs England 4th Ashes Test. The fifth and final Test will be played at the Sydney Cricket Ground from January 4–8, 2026, with England aiming to make the final score 3–2.