England ended a 5,468-day wait for a Test victory on Australian soil for the first time since Sydney 2011. Chasing 175 in a chaotic fourth Ashes Test at the MCGwhere Australia collapsed to 152 and 132 after England’s 110.
Steve Smith reflects on Australia’s first home Test defeat in 5,468 days
Parking captain Steve Smithunbeaten on 24 in the second innings, calling it a “tough game” and admitting that the pitch was “too much” in the bowlers’ favour.
“A tough game. A fast game. If we could get that extra 50 or 60, we’d probably be right in the contest at the end.” Smith said in a post-game interview with Isa Guha.
Smith praised England’s performance, noting that they played well on Day 2 despite the low-scoring madness with only 20 wickets falling on the opening day. He highlighted the seam conditions that led to Australia’s batting explosion, recording their first home Test defeat to England since 2011 and a strong record.
“Credit to England, they came out today and didn’t let us get away. And as they started with the bat, they were aggressive, got a few away and softened the ball so it didn’t offer much from that point, so credit to them for the way they played.” Smith added.
Also READ: Records and statistics – Fewest balls Australia have faced in either innings in Tests since 1900
‘Feeling special’: Ben Stokes
On the other hand, England captain Ben Stokes, speaking to TNT Sports, has set his team up to make a strong comeback after losing the first three Tests of the ongoing series.
“It’s a special feeling. Me and Joe (Root) have been on a few tours and it hasn’t gone that well.
“Especially the few days leading up to this Test match have been a tough time for us as a team. The way we have been able to focus on the most important thing, which is the cricket being played there, has been quite exceptional.
“To come out here and perform the way we did, a lot of credit goes to not just me, but the way the senior boys handled it.”
