England end 5,468-day wait for Test win on Australian soil – first since Sydney 2011 – Chasing 175 in a chaotic fourth Ashes Test at the MCGWhere after England’s 110, Australia collapsed for 152 and 132 runs.
Steve Smith reflects on Australia’s first home Test defeat in 5,468 days
stand-in captain steve smithRemaining unbeaten on 24 in the second innings, he called it ‘difficult’ and admitted that the pitch was ‘very much’ favorable to the bowlers.
“Tough. Quick game. If we had managed to score an extra 50 or 60, we would probably have been right in the contest at the end,” Smith said in a post-match interview with Isa Guha.
Smith praised England’s performance, and said that despite the madness of low scores they played well on the second day, with 20 wickets falling on the opening day alone. He highlighted the seaming conditions that weakened Australia’s batting, leading to their first home Test defeat to England since 2011 and breaking a strong record.
“Credit to England, they came today and didn’t let us get away. And the way they started with the bat, they were aggressive, moved away a bit and softened the ball up, so didn’t get much from that point, so credit to them for the way they played.” Added Smith.
Also read: Records and statistics – Fewest balls faced by Australia in both innings of a Test since 1900
‘A special feeling’: Ben Stokes
On the other hand, England captain Ben Stokes, while talking to TNT Sports, pegged his team for a strong comeback after losing the first three Tests of the current series.
“It’s a special feeling. Me and Joe.” [Root] Been on a few tours, and it hasn’t been particularly good.
“Especially, the few days of preparation for this Test match were a tough time for us as a team. The way we were able to focus on the most important thing, which is the cricket being played there, was pretty extraordinary.
“A lot of credit for coming here and performing the way we did goes not only to me, but also to the way the senior boys handled that situation.”
