England’s eventful Ashes 2025-26 tour of Australia generated drama both on and off the field, but by the end of the Boxing Day Test, the story went down in history as a young batsman, Jacob Bethell, emerged at the right time at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) in Melbourne.
Ben Stokes and England enjoy MCG moment with beer after stunning Ashes win
The Ben Stokes-led England cricket team wrote a new chapter in Ashes history at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), not only with a four-wicket win but also with an iconic celebration on Saturday, December 27.
Also read: Jacob Bethel left embarrassed after major on-field disturbance during Ashes match at MCG
After the match, England players relaxed on the hallowed ground, shared beers and enjoyed a historic Test win in Australia – their first in 15 years. The scene was one of pure catharsis, a release from the pressure built up on a tumultuous Ashes 2025-26 tour.
This victory felt even more special for the visiting team because just a few weeks ago they had to face heavy criticism and controversy.
From Noosa scrutiny to MCG elation: England’s turnaround
After the second Test in Brisbane, the England team spent four nights on the Queensland coast in Noosa. Later, several English media outlets suggested that some players were so intoxicated in Noosa. He was also criticized for his behavior with the Australian media.
In a video that surfaced on social media, Ben Duckett is seen intoxicated. Jacob Bethel also made headlines when a video from Noosa showed him dancing with a woman to the song YMCA by Village People.
This led to England being widely criticized for the break and discipline midway through the Ashes series, as they were already 2–0 down in the ongoing five-match Test series. Later the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) announced an investigation into the allegations made during the Adelaide Test.
Jacob Bethel: The quiet chief at Melbourne Storm
Well, when the young Englishman came out to bat at the MCG, the Barmy Army welcomed him with the same tune, and clearly enjoyed the moment. However, on a pitch that seemed almost impossible to bat on, Bethel played one of the calmest innings of the match.
He played a crucial inning of 40 runs off 46 balls to help England chase down 175 on the second day of the Boxing Day Test at the MCG. At just 22, Bethel achieved something that took senior England stars years to do. Joe Root needed 18 Tests to win in Australia, and Ben Stokes needed 13 Tests, but Bethel achieved it in his debut Down Under.
ALSO READ: Ben Stokes, Steve Smith tear into MCG pitch after embarrassing conclusion to 2-day Ashes Test
This was a big change after a difficult first innings, where he was out for one run off a fast ball from Michael Neser. As the pressure mounted and questions were raised about his role at No. 3, Bethel responded with maturity and clarity and helped England win a Test in Australia after 15 years.
Inside MCG Vijay Party
Meanwhile, after pulling off a famous four-wicket win over Australia in the fourth Ashes Test, England players were later seen relaxing, enjoying a beer and chatting together on the MCG outfield. The scene summed up the moment perfectly, but also reminded many of their Noosa episode.
England players drink beer and chat at the MCG pic.twitter.com/88lr5jyzVl
– Will MacPherson (@willis_macp) 27 December 2025
Even after the match, Bethell was teased by broadcasters about him and the England team’s Noosa break. A broadcaster on Triple M Cricket asked, “How good of an addition is Noosa really?” To which Bethel laughed before saying, “You’re trying to trap me.”
Wasn’t saying anything about Bethel Noosa
Jacob Bethel: https://t.co/s7VWF5nXUS pic.twitter.com/WxJW0qQnvC
– Triple M Cricket (@triplemcricket) 27 December 2025
It feels good to make an impact in a win: Jacob Bethel
Speaking about his impressive innings at the MCG, Bethel explained that the pitch had become difficult to bat on as the ball was spinning a lot, so he had to adjust his approach. He used the ramp shot as a smart option when the field was set in depth and the wicketkeeper was standing.
“It feels good to have an impact in a win. It feels sharp when the ball is moving around. We recognized it was doing a lot of things, and in the first innings I didn’t have the confidence to hit his length. The keeper was up, and the third man was wide, so the ramp was a good way to bring that back,” he said.
