Australia, runners-up of the World Test Championship 2025, suffered their first defeat of the 2027 WTC cycle after England edged them out by four wickets in the fourth Test of the 2025–26 Ashes series. The Boxing Day Test marked England’s first Test victory in Australia since January 2011, ending a long and frustrating drought on hostile shores.
The Melbourne Test turned into a frenetic, low-scoring affair that wrapped up in just two days, underlining how bowler-friendly conditions dominated proceedings. As many as 20 wickets fell on the opening day alone, setting the tone for an unpredictable contest.
Bowlers dominate as MCG Test races to a finish
| Rank | Teams | Matches | Wins | Losses | Draw | Points | PCT |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | Australia | 7 | 6 | 1 | 0 | 72 | 85.71 |
| 2. | New Zealand | 3 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 28 | 77.78 |
| 3. | South Africa | 4 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 36 | 75 |
| 4. | Sri Lanka | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 16 | 66.67 |
| 5. | Pakistan | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 12 | 50 |
| 6. | India | 9 | 4 | 4 | 1 | 52 | 48.15 |
| 7. | England | 9 | 3 | 5 | 1 | 38 | 35.18 |
| 8. | Bangladesh | 2 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 4 | 16.67 |
| 9. | West Indies | 8 | 0 | 7 | 1 | 4 | 4.17 |
Josh Tongue spearheaded England’s charge with a superb five-wicket haul, skittling Australia for 152 in 45.2 overs. England’s reply, however, faltered just as dramatically, as Michael Neser ran through the visitors’ batting to claim four wickets and bundle them out for 110 in 29.5 overs, handing Australia a 46-run lead overnight.
Any hopes of Australia seizing control on the second day were quickly dashed by relentless English bowling. The hosts were dismissed for just 132, with Ben Stokes leading by example, picking up three wickets to keep England firmly in the hunt.
Chasing a tricky target of 175 on a deteriorating surface, England were tested by Australia’s pace attack but held their nerve to reach the target with four wickets in hand. The win finally delivered Joe Root and Ben Stokes their first Test victory in Australia after 18 and 13 matches respectively.
Despite the defeat, Australia remain on top of the latest WTC standings with a points percentage of 85.71. England, meanwhile, continue to languish in seventh place after nine matches, ahead of only Bangladesh and West Indies. New Zealand and Sri Lanka, having played three and two matches respectively, are the only unbeaten sides so far in the current WTC cycle.
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