“Over The Moon”: Ben Stokes And Joe Root React To England’s Historic Ashes Breakthrough At The MCG

A Career-Defining Moment for the Veterans

For the two pillars of English cricket, Ben Stokes and Joe Root, the MCG victory was more than just a consolation prize—it was a personal milestone decades in the making.

• Ben Stokes: In his 13th Test match on Australian soil, and his first as captain, Stokes finally stood on the winning side. “To be stood here now and be part of a team that won a game in Australia… really good feeling,” Stokes remarked, reflecting on the “adversity” the team faced both on and off the field.
• Joe Root: Perhaps no player felt the relief more than Root. It took the legendary batter 18 attempts to win a Test match in Australia. Despite the series loss, Root praised the “bravery with the bat” shown by his teammates on a treacherous MCG surface.

Silencing the “Constant Noise”

The build-up to the Boxing Day Test was marred by toxicity. Following a crushing defeat in Adelaide, the English media and fans heavily criticized the team’s trip to Noosa and reports of late-night drinking.

Stokes, however, used the win to highlight the squad’s “togetherness.”

“Proud of the way we handled it… what we had thrown our way. Made sure we stayed focused on coming here and beating a very good Australian team.” — Ben Stokes

A Salute to the Barmy Army

As the match concluded, the England contingent made a lap of the ground to thank the Barmy Army.

• The Atmosphere: Stokes credited the travelling supporters for their “constant noise and constant chants,” noting that the players in the middle truly feel that energy during tough sessions.
• The Significance: For the fans who have endured three consecutive 4-0 or 5-0 drubbings in Australia, this win provided a rare moment of celebration in enemy territory.

Looking Ahead: The New Year’s Test

While the Ashes urn remains in Australian hands, England heads to the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) on January 4, 2026, with newfound momentum.