Australia dominate England after Tongue knocks them over: 4th Test, Day 1 (MCG)

Day 1 of the Boxing Day Ashes Test at the MCG produced an extraordinary contest dominated by the bowlers, with 20 wickets tumbling on a lively green surface.

England won the toss and opted to bowl, a decision that paid early dividends as Australia were dismissed for 152, struggling to cope with seam movement.

Josh Tongue starred with a five-wicket haul, the first by an England bowler at the MCG in decades, while Michael Neser top-scored for Australia with a gritty contribution down the order.

Australia responded in equally ruthless fashion with the ball, skittling England for just 110 in under 30 overs. Harry Brook’s 41 was the only meaningful resistance as Neser, Scott Boland and Mitchell Starc shared the wickets to seize momentum.

By stumps, Australia had safely negotiated the closing overs to reach 4/0 in their second innings, establishing a 46-run lead and setting up a finely poised contest heading into Day 2.

Australia 152: Neser 35; Tongue 5-45 & 4-0 England 110: Brook 41; Neser 4-45, Boland 3-30 Australia lead by 46 runs

Dec 2025.