Ben Stokes & England enjoy beers at MCG after historic Ashes win; Jacob Bethell questioned about Noosa joint

by
England and Jacob Bethell

England’s eventful Ashes 2025-26 tour of Australia produced drama both on and off the field, but by the end of the Boxing Day Test, the story turned into history as a young batter, Jacob Bethell, rose at the perfect moment at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) in Melbourne.

Ben Stokes & England Savour MCG Moment With Beers After Epic Ashes Win

The England cricket team, led by a beaming Ben Stokes, wrote a new chapter in Ashes history at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), not just with a four-wicket victory but with the iconic celebration that followed on Saturday, December 27.

Read Also: Jacob Bethell left embarrassed after massive on-field goof up during Ashes match at the MCG

After the match, the England players relaxed on the hallowed turf, sharing beers and soaking in a historic Test win in Australia—their first in 15 years. The scene was one of pure catharsis, a release of pressure built over a tumultuous Ashes 2025-26 tour.

The win felt even more special for the visiting team because they had faced heavy criticism and controversy only weeks earlier.

From Noosa Scrutiny to MCG Elation: England’s Turnaround

After the second Test in Brisbane, the England squad spent four nights on the Queensland coast in Noosa. Later, several English media outlets suggested that some players were so drunk in Noosa. They were also criticized for their behavior with the Australian media.

A video that surfaced on social media appeared to show Ben Duckett drunk. Jacob Bethell was also dragged into the spotlight after a video from Noosa showed him dancing with a woman to the song YMCA by the Village People.

This led to massive criticism around England’s mid-Ashes series break and discipline, as they were already 2-0 down in the ongoing five-match Test series. Later, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) announced an investigation into the allegations during the Adelaide Test.

Jacob Bethell: The Calm Head in the Melbourne Storm

Well, when the young Englishman walked out to bat at the MCG, the Barmy Army welcomed him with the same tune, clearly enjoying the moment. However, on the pitch where batting looked almost impossible, Bethell played one of the calmest innings of the match.

He played a crucial knock of 40 runs off 46 balls to help England chase down 175 runs on Day 2 of the Boxing Day Test at the MCG. At just 22, Bethell achieved something that had taken England’s senior stars years to do. Joe Root needed 18 tests to win in Australia, and Ben Stokes needed 13, but Bethell managed it in his very first outing Down Under.

Read Also: Ben Stokes, Steve Smith tear apart MCG pitch after embarrassing 2-day Ashes Test finish

This was a huge turnaround after a difficult first innings, where he was dismissed for one by a sharp delivery from Michael Neser. With pressure mounting and questions around his role at No. 3, Bethell responded with maturity and clarity as he helped England win a Test in Australia after 15 years.

Inside the MCG Victory Party

Meanwhile, after sealing a famous four-wicket win over Australia in the fourth Ashes Test, England players were later seen relaxing on the MCG outfield, enjoying a beer and chatting together. The scene summed up the moment perfectly, but also reminded many of their Noosa episode.

Even after the match, Bethell was teased by the broadcasters over his and the England team’s Noosa break. A broadcaster asked on Triple M Cricket, “How good a joint is Noosa, seriously?” To which Bethell said before laughing, “You’re trying to trip me up.”

It’s lovely to make an impact in a win: Jacob Bethell

Speaking about his impressive innings at the MCG, Bethell explained that the pitch made batting difficult because the ball was moving a lot, so he had to adjust his approach. He used the ramp shot as a smart option when the field was set deep, and the wicketkeeper was standing up.

He said, “It’s lovely to make an impact in a win. It feels quicker when the ball is nipping around. We identified that it was doing a lot, and I didn’t have the conviction to hit them off their lengths in the first innings. The keeper was up, and the third man was wide, so the ramp was a good way to get him back.”