On Saturday, England ended a 14-year wait for a Test match victory in Australia with a four-wicket win on day two\u2019s play in Melbourne, a result that capped an intense turnaround after three successive defeats and mounting scrutiny over the team\u2019s preparation, as well as their conduct during a mid-series break in Noosa.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cIt\u2019s been a massive effort from everyone, and to come out on the right side of the result feels really special. Hopefully it means a lot. We play for a lot of people - not just ourselves. The support we get, wherever we go in the world, is incredible.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cThe noise, the chants, the constant backing - the lads out in the middle hear it, feel it, and thrive off it. I know a lot of our fans will be buzzing right now,\u201d said Stokes at the conclusion of the game.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
England dismissed Australia for 132 in their second innings to set themselves a chase of 175 to win, which they completed after losing six wickets. \u201cDefinitely very satisfying. There was a fair bit going on in the build-up to this match, a lot being thrown our way. For the lads to come out, stay focused, and perform the way they did says a lot about the character in this team.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cHuge credit to the players, support staff, and management for keeping everyone locked in on what mattered - playing good cricket. We knew it wasn\u2019t going to be a straightforward (chase). The pitch had plenty in it, and the bowlers were always in the game.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cThe message was to stay positive, not let the bowlers settle, and make them keep running in and hitting those tough areas. I thought the way we balanced intent with discipline was brilliant. It took courage, but the lads handled it superbly,\u201d elaborated Stokes.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cHuge credit to the players, support staff, and management for keeping everyone locked in on what mattered - playing good cricket. We knew it wasn\u2019t going to be a straightforward (chase). The pitch had plenty in it, and the bowlers were always in the game.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cEvery time he\u2019s pulled on an England shirt, he\u2019s given everything. Bethell as well - the partnership he helped build in tricky conditions was really important. Seeing younger players stand up in moments like this is fantastic,\u201d concluded Stokes.<\/p>\r\n\r\n