The primary day of the fourth Ashes Test between Australia and England on the Melbourne Cricket Floor (MCG) noticed quick bowlers dominate as 20 wickets fell in an exciting contest. England’s resolution to bowl first after profitable the toss paid off handsomely, with Josh Tongue main the best way by claiming 5 wickets and dismantling Australia’s prime order. Regardless of transient resistance from Michael Neser and Cameron Inexperienced, Australia had been bundled out for 152 runs in simply 45.2 overs. England’s response was equally disastrous as Mitchell Starc and Michael Neser ripped by way of their batting lineup, lowering the guests to 110 all out in 29.5 overs. On the finish of the day, Australia led by 46 runs with 4/0 of their second innings.
Australia’s struggles as prime order collapses towards Josh Tongue
Australia’s batting on Day 1 was a story of frustration, because the hosts struggled to deal with the tempo and motion supplied by the England bowlers. After being put in to bat, Australia misplaced wickets at common intervals, beginning with Travis Head, who was dismissed for simply 12 by Gus Atkinson. The center order did not construct any partnerships, with Jake Weatherald (10), Marnus Labuschagne (6) and Steve Smith (9) all departing cheaply.
Smith’s dismissal was significantly painful, as Josh Tongue cleaned him up with an ideal supply that nipped again and shattered the stumps. Usman Khawaja (29) and Alex Carey (20) had been the one different notable contributors, whereas Michael Neser top-scored with 35. Australia had been bowled out for 152 in 45.2 overs, with Tongue ending with spectacular figures of 5/45, as England’s bowlers loved glorious circumstances all through the day.
Additionally WATCH: Ashes 2025-26: Josh Tongue stuns Steve Smith with unplayable delivery on Day 1 of Boxing Day Test | AUS vs ENG
England’s response: Collapse to Mitchell Starc and Michael Neser’s prowess
England’s chase of 153 was all the time going to be a difficult process, they usually had been shortly delivered to their knees by Australia’s seam assault. Zak Crawley (5) and Ben Duckett (2) had been dismissed early by Mitchell Starc, with the latter caught by Neser at second slip. The important thing wicket of Joe Root for a duck additional derailed England’s hopes as they discovered themselves struggling at 8/3. Harry Brook (41) tried to struggle again with a fast innings, hitting two boundaries and two sixes, however the stress was relentless. Ben Stokes (16) additionally did not make a major affect, and after Brook was dismissed, England’s batting crumbled additional. Neser took 4 wickets, whereas Scott Boland and Jhye Richardson every chipped in with a wicket. England had been dismissed for 110 in simply 29.5 overs, handing Australia a significant 46-run lead on the shut of play on Day 1.
Right here’s how followers reacted:
Jofra Archer has by no means received Steve Smith out. However Josh Tongue has dismissed him thrice, ie each time he’s bowled to him in first-class cricket
— Will Macpherson (@willis_macp) December 26, 2025
I meant in yesterdays tweet, that Australia as a crew, ought to attempt get 200 and England ought to attempt get to 100! 🤣🤣🤣🤣
— Kevin Pietersen🦏 (@KP24) December 26, 2025
Josh Tongue has dismissed Steve Smith in each first-class sport he is bowled to him. Dismissed him in The Hundred as effectively earlier this 12 months.
— Rohit Sankar (@imRohit_SN) December 26, 2025
Josh Tongue! Whistle.
5-for. Properly completed, man.
— Bharath Ramaraj (@Fancricket12) December 26, 2025
A troublesome tour can break you down and England have simply seen that. You bowl Australia out for a mere 152 after which get all out for 110 – that’s suicidal.
And, all in a day’s play, in entrance of the biggest recorded crowd for a Take a look at on the MCG for a protracted very long time. #Ashes #AUSvENG…— Vikrant Gupta (@vikrantgupta73) December 26, 2025
Will Jacks steps out first ball to Scott Boland and tries to smack it down the bottom!!
Broadcaster zooms in tight on Ben Stokes on the non strikers finish.😂😂
Australia is a tricky place to tour, particularly in case you are 0-3 down. #Ashes
— Ashwin 🇮🇳 (@ashwinravi99) December 26, 2025
One other two-day Ashes Take a look at beckoning. England are going to have to purchase numerous beer to offset the MCG’s misplaced day 3 revenues.
— Iceland Cricket (@icelandcricket) December 26, 2025
When Australia batted…. English commentators had been saying “ nice from the England bowlers “
When England batted, “ this pitch is doing an excessive amount of “#Ashes2025
— Lewis Yates .com (@LewisYatesOfcl) December 26, 2025
Bonkers. https://t.co/nixK4k6ZWr
— Piers Morgan (@piersmorgan) December 26, 2025
Australia holds a 46-run lead at stumps on day 1 within the 4th Ashes Take a look at 🌟#Ashes2025 #AUSvsENG pic.twitter.com/nmA3Hit49W
— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) December 26, 2025
Additionally WATCH: Ashes 2025-26: Brydon Carse’ breathtaking run out of Cameron Green steals the show on Day 1 of Boxing Day Test match | AUS vs ENG
