England captain Ben Stokes expressed immense satisfaction after his team secured a historic six-wicket victory over Australia in the Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) on Saturday, December 27, 2025. This win marks England's first triumph in the ongoing Ashes series and their first Test win on Australian soil since the 2010/11 tour.
A Victory For The Fans
Speaking at the post-match presentation, Stokes emphasised that the monumental effort was for the countless supporters who back the team globally. "We play for a lot of people – not just ourselves," Stokes stated. He credited the incredible support from travelling fans, whose constant noise and chants provided vital energy to the players on the field.
"The support we get, wherever we go in the world, is incredible. The noise, the chants, the constant backing – the lads out in the middle hear it, feel it, and thrive off it," he added. Stokes acknowledged that the passionate fanbase would be "buzzing" with the result, which saw England successfully chase a target of 178 runs in their final innings.
Overcoming Adversity and a Tricky Chase
Stokes revealed that the win was particularly sweet given the challenging circumstances leading up to the match. "Definitely very satisfying. There was a fair bit going on in the build-up to this match, a lot being thrown our way," he said, without elaborating further on the external pressures.
He praised his team's focus and character to block out the noise and deliver a clinical performance. "For the lads to come out, stay focused, and perform the way they did says a lot about the character in this team," Stokes remarked. He extended credit to the entire support staff and management for keeping the squad concentrated on playing good cricket.
The England skipper admitted that the chase was not straightforward. "We knew it was not a straightforward chase," he said, highlighting the brilliant balance of intent and discipline shown by the batters. While the top order has faced criticism, valuable cameos in the chase proved sufficient to cross the line.
Young Guns Rise to the Occasion
Stokes reserved special praise for the younger members of the squad who stepped up under pressure. Fast bowler Josh Tongue was a key contributor, taking a five-wicket haul in the match, a remarkable feat on his Boxing Day debut in front of a massive MCG crowd.
"Josh has been outstanding. To come out on Boxing Day in front of a massive crowd and take five wickets… that is something really special. Every time he’s pulled on an England shirt, he has given everything," Stokes said.
He also commended the performance of youngster Jacob Bethell, whose partnership in tricky conditions played a crucial role. "Seeing younger players stand up in moments like this is fantastic," Stokes concluded, optimistic about the team's future.
The victory at the MCG has injected new life into the Ashes series, setting the stage for a compelling contest in the remaining matches. The win stands as a testament to the team's resilience and their powerful connection with their global fanbase.
