Melbourne, December 26, 2025 — The opening day of the fourth Ashes Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) turned into a thrilling contest as bowlers dominated in front of a record Boxing Day crowd.
England’s right-arm pacer Josh Tongue stole the spotlight, claiming a historic five-wicket haul and becoming the first England bowler this century to achieve the feat in a men’s Test at the MCG.
Electing to bowl first under overcast skies, England quickly struck, with Tongue leading the charge. He finished Australia’s first innings for just 152 runs, registering impressive figures of 5/45 — his best in Test cricket to date, surpassing the 5/66 against Ireland at Lord’s in 2023. England’s pace attack consistently challenged the Australian top order, removing Steve Smith, Marnus Labuschagne, and others to leave the hosts reeling at 51/4.
Australia responded fiercely in the second session, with right-arm seamer Michael Neser making a significant impact. Neser top-scored with 35 runs and then returned 4/45 with the ball, claiming crucial wickets of England’s Jacob Bethell, Joe Root, and Ben Stokes. Despite Neser’s efforts, England were bowled out for just 110, giving Australia a slender 46-run lead by stumps.
The day was also marked by aggressive batting from Harry Brook, who countered the bowlers with an attacking 41 before being dismissed, and late resistance from Gus Atkinson, who scored 28. Scott Boland was sent out as a makeshift opener in fading light, helping Australia finish the day without further damage.
The pitch offered substantial assistance to seamers, with movement and bounce creating a gripping contest for both sides. By the close, 20 wickets had fallen, with a total of 266 runs scored in 76.1 overs, making it one of the most action-packed Boxing Day Tests in recent memory.
The Ashes series so far:
• 1st Test, Perth: Australia won by 8 wickets
• 2nd Test, Brisbane: Australia won by 8 wickets
• 3rd Test, Adelaide: Australia won by 82 runs
• 4th Test, MCG: Dec 26–30
• 5th Test, SCG: Jan 4–8
With England and Australia set for Day 2, all eyes will be on whether the pitch continues to favor the bowlers or allows batters to stabilize. Fans can expect more edge-of-the-seat action as Australia aim to extend their lead and England seek to claw back in this thrilling Ashes contest.