Root Relieved as England End 15-Year Ashes Drought with Historic MCG Win

After 18 Ashes Tests across Australia, Joe Root has finally experienced victory. England ended their losing streak in the series with a hard-fought win at the MCG, claiming the fourth Test despite already being out of contention for the urn. The win marks the first time England have recorded a triumph Down Under since 2010-11 and comes after 15 defeats in Root’s career in Australia.

Root, who had struggled for runs during the series, managed just 15 in the second innings after a first-innings duck.

“I wouldn't want to bat on it every week, put it that way,” Root remarked of the surface.

Although he had achieved a milestone earlier in Brisbane with a 138 not out, Root admitted the feeling of finally being on the winning side was bittersweet. 

Support for Management

Head coach Brendon McCullum and managing director Rob Key have faced criticism over planning and coaching decisions, with their futures uncertain. Yet Root insists the players remain fully behind them.

“In terms of the playing group, we're absolutely committed to the management. They've been outstanding. You look at the group of players that we've got, and you look at the guys that were involved in the team when I was captain, four years ago, and you look at their records individually, and every single one of them has improved as a player. This team has improved as a team. So I think it would be silly for the amount of hard work and things that have been done,” Root said.

Statistically, England has made steady progress since McCullum’s tenure began with Ben Stokes as captain in 2022, winning 26 and losing 17 of 45 Tests. Even with recent personnel changes, the team has achieved 12 wins in 22 matches since the 2024 season.

“Clearly it's been a very different approach and different way of doing things, but there's been a considerable move forward in terms of how we've played throughout that period,” Root added.

Consolation Victory and Looking Ahead

The win offers a psychological lift despite the series being lost. England’s players, motivated after the disappointment of Adelaide and a mid-series break in Noosa, delivered a performance that showed resilience and character.

“It feels weird,” Root admitted. “It's disappointing that we've lost the series, but it's really important that we managed to get the right side of the result here, and it's something to build on into the next game as well. Of course, whenever you lose a series, it's very disappointing. And every time you go out there, you're doing everything you can to be on the right side of the result. I didn't want to come here and lose another Ashes series. But unfortunately, sometimes you get outplayed, you make a few mistakes, and against good opposition, they hurt you. That's what happened on those occasions. But it was really important that we responded well to that, and when we got our opportunities this week, we did that.”

Root may have another chance in Australia in 2027, but he hopes the team can build on the momentum to prepare for the future.

“There are things that we'll have to keep looking to learn from and develop from, but I try not to make too many regrets. I think you've got to look forward to it. You have to look at how you can affect things in the near future. Ultimately, that starts with Sydney, and then we'll go from there.”