Can Australia Maintain Their 46-Run Lead After 20 Wickets Fall on Day 1 of the MCG Test?
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Synopsis
Australia leads by 46 runs after an astonishing first day at the MCG, where 20 wickets fell. The hosts were bowled out for 152, while England struggled to reply with just 110 runs. This historic performance sets the stage for an exciting continuation of the Ashes Test series.
Key Takeaways
- Australia leads by 46 runs after Day 1.
- 20 wickets fell on a historic first day.
- Josh Tongue claimed 5 wickets for England.
- Cameron Green and Michael Neser had a vital partnership.
- England struggled, falling to 110 runs.
Melbourne, Dec 26 (NationPress) Australia secured a 46-run advantage on the opening day of the Boxing Day Test as the hosts were dismissed for 152, while England could only muster a dismal 110. An astonishing 20 wickets fell on the first day of the fourth Ashes Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on Friday.
The last instance of 20 or more wickets falling on the first day of an Ashes Test in Australia was in the 1901-02 series when uncovered pitches were the norm.
After winning the toss, England chose to field first, with Josh Tongue delivering a standout performance. He achieved the best Boxing Day figures since Ian Botham's 5-41 in 1986, marking him as the first English bowler to take a five-wicket haul at the MCG since 1998.
England's Gus Atkinson struck first, dismissing Travis Head for 27 in the seventh over. Tongue then took out opener Jake Weatherald for 10 in the tenth over, and soon claimed Marnus Labuschagne as his second victim.
Labuschagne (6) recorded his fourth consecutive score below 20 after nicking a half-drive to first slip, followed by Tongue bowling out skipper Steve Smith for a meager 9. Alex Carey fell victim to Ben Stokes, leaving the hosts in dire straits at 91/6.
However, Cameron Green and Michael Neser steadied the innings with a crucial 52-run partnership. Neser hit seven boundaries in a top score of 35, but a moment of misjudgment led to his run-out, igniting a collapse where Australia lost the last four wickets for a mere 9 runs in 20 balls, ultimately finishing at 152, their lowest Boxing Day score since being dismissed for 98 in the 2010-11 Ashes.
Despite Australia's bowling prowess, England faltered in their response, collapsing to 16-4 within eight overs, thanks to Mitchell Starc (2-23) and Neser (4-45).
Harry Brook provided a brief spark with 41 runs in a quick 34-ball innings before falling to lbw from Boland, prompting another collapse that saw England slump to 77/7.
Neser dismissed Ben Stokes at second slip, as England faced the prospect of a sub-100 total, but Atkinson's vital 28 helped them avoid further embarrassment. Ultimately, England was bowled out for 110.
As day one concluded, Australia had posted 4 runs without loss, leading by 46 runs at stumps.
Brief scores: Australia 152 (Neser 35, Tongue 5-45, Atkinson 2-28) and 4 for 0 lead England 110 (Brook 41, Neser 4-45, Boland 3-30) by 46 runs.
Point of View
It's crucial to report that the first day of the fourth Ashes Test showcased the unpredictability of cricket. With both teams experiencing dramatic ups and downs, the focus remains on Australia's significant lead and England's struggle. This match illustrates the competitive spirit of the Ashes series, captivating fans worldwide.
NationPress
08/01/2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the score at the end of Day 1?
At the end of Day 1, Australia scored 152 runs, while England managed only 110, giving Australia a 46-run lead.
Who were the key performers for Australia?
Josh Tongue was a standout performer with 5 wickets for 45 runs, while Cameron Green and Michael Neser contributed crucial partnerships.
How significant was the 20 wickets falling?
The fall of 20 wickets on the first day is a rare occurrence, the last time happening in the 1901-02 series, highlighting the challenging conditions faced by both teams.
What does this mean for the Ashes series?
This unexpected turn of events sets a thrilling tone for the remainder of the Ashes series, with both teams vying for dominance.
What can we expect in the next days of the Test?
With Australia leading, we can expect intense competition as England aims to bounce back and Australia strives to extend their advantage.
