England break 14-year drought with rare Ashes Test triumph

By Jonathan Healy, at the MCG

England have breathed new life into the Ashes and broken a drought of more than 14 years with a remarkable four-wicket victory over Australia in the Boxing Day Test in Melbourne.

Ben Stokes' side wrapped up the fourth Test of the series late on the second day at the MCG, with Harry Brook (18 not out) and Jamie Smith (three not out) at the crease at the end as England chased down 175 for victory with relative ease after a raft of low scores through the first three innings of the match.

England scored at more than five runs per over during their run chase and even promoted fast bowler Brydon Carse to bat at No.3 in the search for quick runs and still managed to score the highest score of the match in the fourth innings of the contest.

It was England's first Test victory over Australia away from home since they won the fifth Test in Sydney in January 2011, breaking a drought of 5468 days and almost 15 years Down Under in the process as they reduced the series deficit on the hosts with one match remaining.

England's victory also boosts their chances of reaching the final of the ongoing ICC World Test Championship cycle, with the side increasing their win-loss percentage to 35.19 percent via the triumph despite still remaining in seventh place on the standings.

Australia stay in first place on the standings after the loss with an 85.71 percentage, but their advantage at the top is reduced over second-placed New Zealand (77.78 percent) and third-placed South Africa (75 percent).

England's win may have come at a cost though, with key pacer Gus Atkinson injuring his hamstring early on the second day and in some doubt for the series finale in Sydney.

The fifth and final Test of the Ashes series commences at the Sydney Cricket Ground on January 4.

Australia XI: Travis Head, Jake Weatherald, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith (c), Usman Khawaja, Alex Carey (wk), Cameron Green, Michael Neser, Mitchell Starc, Jhye Richardson, Scott Boland

England XI: Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Jacob Bethell, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Ben Stokes (c), Jamie Smith (wk), Will Jacks, Gus Atkinson, Brydon Carse, Josh Tongue

Ashes schedule:

First Test: Perth Stadium, November 21-22 (Australia won by eight wickets)
Second Test: Gabba, December 4-7 (Australia won by eight wickets)
Third Test: Adelaide Oval, December 17-21 (Australia won by 82 runs)
Fourth Test: MCG, December 26-30 (England won by four wickets)
Fifth Test: SCG, January 4-8