Fourth Ashes Test, Melbourne Cricket Ground (day one of five)
Australia 152: Neser 35; Tongue 5-45 & 4-0
England 110: Brook 41; Neser 4-45, Boland 3-30
Australia lead by 46 runs
The fourth Ashes Test began in dramatic fashion on Boxing Day at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, producing one of the most extraordinary opening days in recent Ashes history. In front of a packed holiday crowd, all 20 wickets fell across three sessions, leaving Australia with a narrow advantage after a day dominated by fast bowling.
England captain Ben Stokes elected to bowl first after winning the toss, a decision vindicated by the conditions. Australia struggled to establish partnerships as the ball seamed and bounced sharply from the outset. The defining moment of the innings came from Josh Tongue, whose pace and precision tore through the Australian batting line-up. Tongue’s spell yielded five wickets, dismantling the middle order and restricting Australia to 152 runs, shortly after the lunch interval.
Australia’s reply was equally dramatic. England’s batting collapsed under pressure, with top and middle-order batters unable to cope with the pace and bounce. Only Harry Brook offered significant resistance, scoring 41 runs before being dismissed. England were bowled out for 110, giving Australia a first-innings lead.
The key Australian bowlers in England’s innings were Michael Neser, who took 4 wickets for 45 runs, and Scott Boland, who claimed 3 wickets. Pat Cummins did not play, and Mitchell Starc contributed modestly but did not lead the attack. By the close of play, Australia had begun their second innings and reached 4/0, holding a total lead of 46 runs.
The pitch immediately became a talking point, with debate over whether the conditions gave bowlers too much advantage. Regardless, the day provided a thrilling spectacle, with momentum swinging between the teams and 20 wickets falling over the course of the day.
Both sides will need to adjust rapidly for the following day, with survival and tactical bowling likely to define the remainder of this unpredictable Test match. Boxing Day at the MCG will be remembered for its intensity, exceptional fast bowling, and relentless Ashes drama.
