Australia vs England, 4th Test at Melbourne, The Ashes, Dec 26 2025 - Match Result

5.49pm So, that's a wrap from another two-day Test match. That's four matches completed in the space of 13 days, which is ludicrously fast-forwarded Test cricket. But England have broken their long, miserable losing streak in Australia. It won't atone for the speed of their Ashes surrender, but it's something to take forward to Sydney in the New Year. England might have settled for 3-2 at the start of the series, but ideally, they'd have done so having been competitive into the festive season. But it is what it is! For now, they'll take the positives. From Miller, Gnasher, Chandan and the team, good night!

Time for the presentations

The Player of the Match is Josh Tongue: "Five-for on Boxing Day, it's what dreams are made of. Barmy Army unbelievable. Amazing feeling to have done it for them. I was in a tough situation with my body [a few years ago] but back playing for England is what I always wanted to do. We were brave with our lengths, the bowlers did well. Yeah, I had my pads on ... but to win, I can't be happy enough."

Steve Smith: "A tricky one, quick game. 50 or 60 more and we might have been there. England bowled well this morning, then aggressive with the bat, softened our ball a bit. Pitch did a fair amount but a few lusty blows meant the ball went a bit less. A bit too much in favour of the bowlers, 36 wickets in two days is too much."

Ben Stokes: "Good feeling, a tough tour up to now. Tough for us as a team, but to be part of a team to win in Australia after such a long time. We play for so many different things, the Barmy Army are very special, constant noise, the guys in the middle hear it, feel it, and know it. There'll be some sore heads tomorrow. After the build-up to the Test, a lot thrown our way, to put in a performance on the back of all that, and beat a v good Australian team, a lot of credit has to go to players, staff and management for keeping the focus on cricket. Very proud. The cricket was short and sharp, very tricky, heavily favoured to the bowlers, but today we went about it exactly the right way. Can't allow bowlers to land it constantly. We showed bravery and were courageous.

"Josh Tongue, what an occasion for him. Five-for in front of a huge crowd, and Bethell a crucial knock in tricky conditions. The partnerships we were able to build were exceptional."

5.35pm Australia look phlegmatic about that one... missing out on a shot at the whitewash will sting, but that was a deeply strange Test, and with the Ashes in the bag after 11 days, this could be construed as the ultimate moral victory... or morale victory, I should say. As England desperately needed some good news to salvage a dog of a campaign.

Shadow-Shell: "Is this Bazball rising from the Ashes like a Phoenix?. Also I would give the Player of the Match to Brook. His first innings madness is the what kept England in the game" It is certainly a blip of the spirit that they believed could carry the day. But I don't believe the genie will be fully returned to the bottle after this one.

5.31pm This Test lasted a ridiculous 852 balls, which is five more than the 847 in Perth last month. The second two-day Test in this daft Ashes series.

Carse: "The game has moved quickly, but a special feeling for this group of players. We've stuck together as a team, nice to repay the travelling fans with a positive result. Batting at 3, decision was made early on, Baz asked me and I said why not... we knew there was 10mm of grass on the wicket, credit to the guys in the second innings, sticking to what we do as a team. We needed this as a side, we'll go to Sydney with a lot of confidence."

5.25pm Hugs all round in the England dug-out... they made heavy weather of it in the end, but on a spicy, spiteful wicket, they showed gumption when it was needed, first through Duckett and Crawley in their opening stand, then through Bethell with a fine 40, and ultimately through Harry Brook with the winning runs. It's a boon for the Barmy Army too, many of whom will have witnessed England's last win at the G, in rather more upbeat circumstances in 2010.

Root: "To lose the series is disappointing, but we showed character, a lot thrown at this team, fast-forward Test, showed bravery with the bat. Never expected it easy, we know how good Australia are in their own conditions. Hopefully we can improve on this next week. Disappointing to get out, wanted to see the team home, but was pretty confident by that stage. Pleased and proud of these lads, a lot on their first tour. Special occasion at the MCG, look at the people here, so lucky to have them, hope the fans can enjoy it. Bethell, showed his smarts, took bravery, courage and skill to execute as he did."

Bethell: "Lovely to make an impact in a win, Feels quicker when the ball is nipping around. We identified it was doing a lot and I didn't have the conviction to hit them off their lengths in the first innings. Keeper was up, and third man was wide, so ramp was a good way to get him back. 93,000 yesterday, 92 today, parents in the crowd... nice to have them here. Still feels surreal to bat with Root, not been able to finish the job together, but unbelievable."

That single makes Brook the leading run-scorer in the match (aggregate 59, overtaking Head's 58)

Vikash: "Who is panicking now? Aus? Eng? We? or me?" Everyone is rattled!

Neither Root nor Stokes will see this home... can Jamie Smith atone for his failing against India at the Oval... similar vibes brewing!

Vinod Rajpal: "Test 1 = 2 days, Test 2 = 4 days, Test 3 = 5 days, Test 4 = 2 days, Hey Andrew what do you think about Test No.5,,,,, 1 day or 3 days ?" Just cancel it now. Test cricket is drunk and needs to go home

Ten to win

England haven't successfully chased in the fourth innings in Australia since Brisbane 1986. Gosh

Aarif: "Aus require 4 wickets or 5 ? Considering Atkinson's injury..!!!" Yes, he will bat if needed, but presumably won't be very mobile

Stokes has been dismissed 12 times by Starc in Tests... a 13th and well, who knows what would happen!