England registered their first win in the ongoing Ashes on Saturday. Chasing 178 runs in the Boxing Day Test match in the final innings, the visitors managed to get there with the loss of six wickets. Fast bowlers Josh Tongue and Brydon Carse have been the key contributors for the side in both innings with the ball, and the batters who have come under a lot of criticism managed to chip in with cameos, which were enough for England to register their first Test win against Australia in their backyard since the 2010/11 series.
Speaking in the post-match presentation, Stokes said, “It has 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. Definitely very satisfying. There was a fair bit going on in the build-up to this match, a lot being thrown our way. For the lads to come out, stay focused, and perform the way they did says a lot about the character in this team. Huge credit to the players, support staff, and management for keeping everyone locked in on what mattered – playing good cricket. We knew it was not a straightforward chase.”
“I thought the way we balanced intent with discipline was brilliant. It took courage, but the lads handled it superbly. (On seeing youngsters like Tongue and Bethell thrive) Yeah, absolutely. Josh has been outstanding. To come out on Boxing Day in front of a massive crowd and take five wickets… that is something really special. Every time he’s pulled on an England shirt, he has given everything. And Bethell as well – the partnership he helped build in tricky conditions was really important. Seeing younger players stand up in moments like this is fantastic,” he concluded.
