The Melbourne Cricket Ground was transformed into a sea of white and red on Sunday as England fans – the ever vocal Burma Army – finally got the moment they had been waiting for for more than a decade. Songs rang out from the stands, flags flew at every corner and chants drowned out the home crowd as England sealed a long-awaited Test victory on Australian soil. After 14 years, 18 Tests and 5,468 days without a win Down Under, Burma’s army finally had reason to celebrate.
England won by four wickets in the fourth Ashes Test, chasing a tricky target of 175 and causing scenes of joy among the traveling supporters at the MCG. It was a catharsis for a fan base known for its unwavering loyalty. The roar that followed the winning runs underlined the significance of the moment – not just a Test victory, but the end of a long, painful series.
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Sydney. 2011. England last won a Test in Australia.
We may have lost the ashes, but today we will enjoy EVERY moment! ?????????????????????#Ash pic.twitter.com/nEuEBqk3lh
— English Barmy Army ??????????????? (@TheBarmyArmy) December 27, 2025
More than 186,000 fans crammed into the iconic venue over two days and while the crowd was predominantly Australian, England’s traveling support made themselves heard at every key moment.
On a surface that still attracts attentionEngland’s batting showed clarity and intent. While the goal was modest, the pitch had already proved dangerous. England reached the total in just 32.2 overs, recording their first successful fourth innings chase in Australia since 1962 and their first Test win in the country since 2011.
Ben Duckett and Zak Crawley set the tone early, racing to 51 from just 42 balls and easing their nerves after England’s first innings collapsed for 110. Their aggressive approach reflected a Bazball philosophy often challenged in Australian conditions, but this time it paid off.
Jacob Bethell, recalled for the match, impressed with a fluent 40 and offered glimpses of his potential before England faltered briefly. Joe Root was trapped lbw by Jhye Richardson and Ben Stokes edged Mitchell Starc with victory in sight. A four over eventually sealed the victory, prompting another wave of noise from the Burma Army, although the England players muted their celebrations.
The match finished over two days, the second such finish of the series, with 36 wickets taken over the contest. With only 13 days of cricket being played in the Ashes so far, the pitch conditions have become a major point of discussion.
At least England avoided liming. As the focus shifts to Sydney, Australia will be aiming to wrap up the series 4-1, while England, buoyed by the faith and voice of the Burma Army, will be looking to finish the tour on a high.
– The end
Issued by:
Debodinna Chakraborty
Published on:
December 27, 2025
