🏏 England Smash 14-Year Ashes Drought in Melbourne

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Key Takeaways

1📊 36 wickets in 2 days; England chase 175 at 5+ RPO[2]
2🏆 First Aus win since 2010-11, ends 18-match drought
3💡 10mm grass caused extreme seam; no 50+ since 1932
4🔮 Sydney Test: Aus 3-1 up, England fight for pride[2]
5💬 'Held firm as a group' - Stokes on resilient triumph

"Ashes series heads to Sydney with Australia leading 3-1 after England's action-packed win over their arch-rival inside two days in Melbourne."

England shattered a 14-year Ashes void on Australian soil, chasing 175 for a thrilling four-wicket win over Australia inside two days at the MCG Boxing Day Test. Harry Brook (18*) and Jamie Smith (3*) steered home amid chaos, with Brydon Carse promoted for quick runs at No.3. This rare triumph, series now 3-1 to Australia, injects pride into Ben Stokes' battered tour.

Since the 2010-11 Adelaide heroics, England endured 16 losses and two draws Down Under, including a 5-0 whitewash in 2013-14 featuring Stokes and Joe Root. Build-up plagued by criticism over preparation, attitude, and off-field issues, this win ends an 18-match winless streak. England's aggressive chase at 5+ runs/over revived Bazball spirit despite surrendering the urn early.

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The 10mm-grassed surface devoured 36 wickets in six sessions—no batter past 50 since 1932, Travis Head's 46 top score. England's seamers exploited seam movement, echoing 1912's multi two-day Ashes Tests. Brook's gritty 41 amid 20 Day 1 wickets stood out, blending flair with survival on a 'spicy' track far from five-day norms.

Pride Restored but Series Urn Secured for Aussies

Australia lead 3-1 heading to Sydney, but England avoid clean sweep, boosting morale for WTC points. Stokes hails fans' loyalty; this mirrors 2010 resilience. Pitch controversy highlights preparation double standards vs Asian turners, impacting global Test health amid short games' ennui.

Sydney Showdown Looms with Momentum Shift

Final Test eyes equilibrium—will England push for 3-2 or Australia seal 4-1? Stokes' group resilience sets tone; fans track Brook's evolution, pitch debates. Vital for WTC standings, this saga underscores Test cricket's raw drama.