🏏 **Smith** Praises England's Epic Melbourne Triumph

💡

Key Takeaways

1📊 36 wickets in 2 days: MCG pitch's 10mm grass created 1932-like chaos since no 50s.
2🏆 England ends 14-year Aussie Test drought, first win since 2011.
3💡 Harry Brook's 41 off 34 key to proactive chase per Smith.
4🔮 Sydney Test pivotal for England morale, Australia WTC streak end.
5💬 'England played really good cricket' - Steve Smith on MCG triumph.

"The Australia captain complimented a resounding performance from the visitors to win their first Test match Down Under since 2011."

Steve Smith has lavished praise on England after their stunning four-wicket victory over Australia in the fourth Ashes Test at the MCG, ending a 14-year drought for a Test win Down Under. In a chaotic two-day affair, England chased down 175 on a treacherous pitch, dismissing the hosts for 152 and 132. This rare triumph, the first since 2011, injects life into a series Australia had dominated, silencing critics and electrifying Bazball fans worldwide. Smith's gracious words highlight England's aggressive resurgence amid controversy over the seaming surface.

England's win breaks a grim streak of 18 winless Tests in Australia, with captains Ben Stokes and Joe Root finally tasting victory after multiple failed tours. Steve Smith, averaging over 56 in Tests, conceded his side's first loss in the 2025/27 WTC cycle after six straight wins. The match's brevity—only the second two-day Test this series—echoes rare historical chaos, underscoring England's resilience post-three straight defeats. This result salvages pride in a surrendered Ashes series.

Pitch Chaos Fuels Historic Turnaround

The MCG pitch, with 10mm of grass, sparked unprecedented seam movement, leading to 36 wickets in six sessions—no batter reached 50, first since 1932 in Australia. Harry Brook starred with 41 off 34 in the first innings, his proactive shots disrupting lengths as Smith noted. England's bowlers, led by Josh Tongue's seven-wicket haul, exploited conditions better than Australia's attack. Compared to 1912's multiple two-day Tests, this outlier validates Bazball's high-risk chase on a 'lottery' wicket.

Series Salvaged Amid WTC Shake-Up

Despite Australia retaining the Ashes after early dominance, this loss dents their WTC final hopes as two-time finalists. England avoids a clean sweep, boosting morale ahead of Sydney. Smith credited Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett's explosive start, softening the new ball. For England, it's a tactical masterclass in adversity, contrasting their Adelaide collapse. Broader implications ripple through WTC standings, with Australia's streak snapped.

Sydney Showdown Looms Large

Eyes turn to the Sydney Test, where England seeks momentum despite series defeat. Will Stokes' aggression persist on potentially flatter decks? Australia must regroup, pondering proactive batting as Smith reflected. Fans should watch for Brook's emergence and pitch debates influencing future preparations—this victory proves England can unsettle hosts anywhere.