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Ben Stokes calls MCG win "special" as England end 15-year Ashes drought vs Australia

Anurag Dasgupta

Ben Stokes calls MCG win as special [Source: AFP Photo] Ben Stokes calls MCG win as special [Source: AFP Photo]

Finally, after almost 15 years, the England side tasted success on Australian shores as the Three Lions decimated the hosts to salvage some pride in the Boxing-Day MCG Test match. England came into the match on the back of constant criticism, having lost the Ashes series once again, but the visitors responded with a clinical performance.

They bundled out the Aussies for just 152 and 132 in their two innings and chased down the target of 176 with four wickets in hand. Ironically, this was Joe Root and Ben Stokes’ first Test win on Australian soil, having failed to deliver the goods since 2013.

Stokes hails historic MCG win as "special"

After an emphatic victory that boosted the English confidence, skipper Ben Stokes was elated as he hailed the MCG win as a “special victory.”

“It's been a massive effort from everyone, and to come out on the right side of the result feels really special. Hopefully it means a lot. We play for a lot of people - not just ourselves. The support we get, wherever we go in the world, is incredible.

“The noise, the chants, the constant backing - the lads out in the middle hear it, feel it, and thrive off it. I know a lot of our fans will be buzzing right now,” Stokes concluded.

Stokes leads from the front in MCG victory

Ben Stokes, the batter had a disappointing outing in Melbourne as he only scored 18 runs in the combined two innings and never looked comfortable in the middle. However, Stokes, the bowler showcased his prowess as the England captain destroyed the Aussie batters in their second innings.

In the first innings, the right-arm pacer scalped a solitary wicket but gave away only 25 runs. However, his best was yet to come as in the second innings, the England captain ran riot and picked up 3 for 24, including the crucial wicket of Cameron Green as Australia were bundled out cheaply.

England captain ends his Australian jinx with the win

This was Ben Stokes’ first Test win on Australian soil in 14 attempts. He first toured Down Under in 2013 as England lost the series, 0-5. He missed the 2017-18 toured and the results once again went in Australia’s favour during the 2021-22 series as the hosts won 4-0.

Leading the England side in the ongoing series, England lost the first three matches, but their bowlers turned things around at the MCG as the Aussies lost the match and the captain broke his drought and won his maiden Test in Australia.