Ashes: To come out on the right side of the result feels really special, says Stokes
Melbourne, Dec. 27 – England’s captain Ben Stokes said it felt “really special” to be on the victorious side of the fourth Ashes Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, praising his side for staying sharp and relentless.
The win on Saturday broke the English team’s 14‑year drought of victories on Australian soil, as they finished with a four‑wicket success on the second day of play. It capped a dramatic reversal after a string of three consecutive defeats and intense media scrutiny over the squad’s preparation and behaviour during the mid‑series break in Noosa.
“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,” Stokes said after the match. “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.”
England dismissed the Australian XI for 132 in their second innings, setting a target of 175 to win. The hosts chased down the target, losing six wickets in the process. “Definitely very satisfying,” Stokes added. “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.”
He gave credit to the support staff and management: “Huge credit to the players, support staff, and management for keeping everyone locked in on what mattered – playing good cricket. We knew it wasn’t going to be a straightforward chase. The pitch had plenty in it, and the bowlers were always in the game.” He went on, “The message was to stay positive, not let the bowlers settle, and make them keep running in and hitting those tough areas. I thought the way we balanced intent with discipline was brilliant. It took courage, but the lads handled it superbly.”
Key contributors included pacer Josh Tongue, who took 5‑45 in the first innings and 2‑44 in the second, and promising all‑rounder Jacob Bethell, who top‑scored with 40 during the chase. “Josh has been outstanding. To come out on Boxing Day in front of a massive crowd and take five wickets, that’s something really special.”
Stokes closed with: “Every time he’s pulled on an England shirt, he’s given everything. 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.”
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