Stokes Leads England to Historic Melbourne Victory
Former England spinner Monty Panesar has hailed the immense mental fortitude of captain Ben Stokes after his team secured a consolation victory in the fourth Ashes Test in Melbourne. The win marks England's first Test triumph on Australian soil in 15 years, a run stretching back to January 2011.
Pressure Cooker Build-Up and a 'Broken' Captain
Panesar, a veteran of 50 Tests for England, revealed that Stokes appeared to be a "tired, broken man" during a press conference in the preceding week. The match build-up was dominated by off-field controversies, including reports of excessive drinking within the England camp.
Arriving in Melbourne 3-0 down in the series and having lost the Ashes within just 11 days, the team was under immense scrutiny. Panesar told Sky News it had been a "very tough week" for Stokes and his leadership, with the spotlight firmly on the squad's struggles.
A Defining Performance Under Fire
Despite the intense pressure, Stokes rallied his side to a four-wicket win at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. Panesar praised this as a "defining moment for him as a leader", successfully taking the prospect of a humiliating 5-0 series whitewash off the table.
The victory was particularly significant for Stokes personally, being his first win in 14 Test attempts in Australia. It also provided the travelling Barmy Army supporters with "something to cheer about after Christmas", according to Panesar.
The result leaves Australia with a 3-1 lead in the series, with one final match remaining. England's last win in Australia came in Sydney in January 2011, followed by a dismal record of 16 losses and two draws across four tours before this breakthrough in Melbourne.
