Ben Stokes Savours Historic Melbourne Win as England End Long Australian Drought

Post by : Saif Nasser

Ben Stokes stood at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on Saturday with a sense of relief and pride that had been missing for English cricket in Australia for more than a decade. England’s four-wicket win in the fourth Ashes Test finally brought an end to a long and painful drought, marking their first Test victory on Australian soil since 2011.

The win came at a time when expectations were low. England had already lost the Ashes series after defeats in the first three Tests and were under heavy criticism both on and off the field. Injuries added to their problems, with Jofra Archer unavailable and Gus Atkinson suffering a hamstring injury early on the second day. Many felt England had little left to fight for, but the team responded with courage and discipline.

Australia looked well placed after setting England a target of 175 runs on a pitch that offered sharp movement and uneven bounce. The surface made batting extremely difficult, and chasing even a modest total was a serious challenge. Stokes later said that the target felt much bigger than the number suggested, given the conditions and the pressure his team was under.

England’s batters chose an aggressive approach instead of playing defensively. The early scoring rate helped reduce the movement of the ball and prevented Australia’s fast bowlers from settling into a rhythm. This bold strategy slowly turned the game in England’s favour. Despite losing key wickets, the batters held their nerve and crossed the finish line late on the second day.

The victory carried special meaning for Stokes and senior batter Joe Root, both of whom had experienced repeated disappointments in Australia. Stokes was part of the England team that was whitewashed 5–0 in the 2013–14 Ashes series, missed the next tour, and returned for another heavy defeat in 2021–22. Root had also endured years of frustration on Australian tours. Winning in Melbourne finally gave them a moment of personal and professional satisfaction.

England’s bowlers also played a crucial role by dismissing Australia for just 132 runs in their second innings. Their disciplined effort kept England in the contest and ensured the chase remained achievable. The collapse stunned the home side and shifted the momentum completely.

Although England have pulled off bigger run chases in the past, Stokes said this one ranked among the most meaningful of his career. The difficult pitch, the hostile environment, and the intense scrutiny around the team made the win even sweeter. He praised his players for not allowing Australia’s strong bowling attack to dominate them and for showing belief in their game plan.

As England’s supporters sang in the stands, Stokes allowed himself to enjoy the moment. The Ashes urn may already belong to Australia, but this victory restored confidence within the England camp. After 15 long years of waiting, England finally had a Test win in Australia again, and for Ben Stokes, it was a moment worth savouring.