The boxing day test ended in a haste with England claiming their first-ever victory in Australia after nearly 14 years. The visitors chased down the target of 175 runs on the second day to register a victory on the Australian shores after 5468 days marking end to one of the longest losing streak in Australia.
Despite the win, England is trailing 1-3 in the series after losing the first three tests.
The boxing day test ended rather disappointingly for the fans as the wicket was an unfair one for the batters. The pitch was aiding the pacers and some poor batting from both sides didn’t help either as 20 wickets fell on the first day.
After being put to bat first, Australia folded for 152 runs as Josh Tongue registered a fifer. England’s response was horrible as they were bowled out for 110. Michael Neser led the onslaught with four wickets and Scott Boland ran through their lower order.
Australian batters were very poor in the second innings as they failed to put any fight and English pacers did well to get them all out for 132.
Chasing the target of 175, England started well and the 50 run opening partnership between Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett set the tone. Jacob Bethell’s 40 runs at number four made sure that England go close to the finish line with Harry Brook and Jamie Smith finishing it.
Among all the others, Joe Root and Ben Stokes will be the most relieved one as they registered their maiden win in Australia after 18 tests and 13 tests respectively.
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“To lose the series is obviously very disappointing, but I think it was really important that we showed a lot of character for the rest of the series, and there’s been a lot thrown at this team and the way that we responded throughout these two days has been excellent,” said England batter Joe Root.
The final test will be played from 4th January in Sydney.
