England End 15-Year Australia Drought with Stunning Boxing Day Test Win

DEC.27 (Mirror Sports) - England produced a dramatic Boxing Day Test victory to defeat Australia for the first time on Australian soil in 15 years, successfully chasing down 175 to win by four wickets and avoid an Ashes whitewash.

The match moved at breakneck speed after 20 wickets fell on day one, with Australia resuming their second innings on Boxing Day evening. The hosts were bowled out before Tea on day two, setting England a challenging but achievable target on a treacherous surface.

Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett set the tone with a rapid 51-run opening stand inside seven overs. Duckett fell to Mitchell Starc, before England took a bold decision by promoting Brydon Carse to No. 3. Carse scored six before Jhye Richardson struck, bringing Jacob Bethell to the crease.

Bethell’s composed 40 took England within touching distance before his dismissal, leaving Harry Brook to guide the visitors home and seal a famous win.

The result handed Australia their first defeat of the 2025–27 World Test Championship cycle. Despite the loss, Australia remain top of the WTC rankings, while England are seventh, still behind India. Sri Lanka remain unchanged in fourth place.