Daijiworld Media Network - Melbourne
Melbourne, Dec 27: The opening day of the fourth Ashes Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground produced a rare slice of cricketing history as 20 wickets fell, the first time such a feat has occurred in an England–Australia Test in Australia since 1902.
Australia were bowled out for 152 but still managed to secure a 42-run first-innings lead after England were dismissed for 110 on a dramatic Friday. At stumps, Australia were 4 without loss in their second innings, stretching the overall lead to 46 runs after surviving a tense final over.
The 20 wickets that fell set a new record for a Boxing Day Test, surpassing the previous mark of 18 set during the 1998 Ashes. The all-time Test record remains 27 wickets in a single day, achieved during the 1888 Ashes at Lord’s.
The action unfolded in front of a world-record crowd of 94,199 spectators, the highest-ever attendance for a single day of cricket at the MCG, eclipsing the 2015 World Cup final crowd.
England pacer Josh Tongue starred with a career-best 5 for 45 as Australia collapsed after England won the toss and elected to bowl. Tongue struck early, reducing Australia to 72 for 4 by lunch, and later removed key wickets including captain Steve Smith, who was bowled attempting a drive.
Usman Khawaja top-scored with 29, while Michael Neser added a valuable 35 lower down the order before Australia were dismissed. Tongue capped off a memorable spell by removing Neser and Scott Boland in consecutive deliveries, drawing loud applause from the crowd.
In reply, England endured an equally turbulent innings, losing early wickets to slump to 8 for 3. Michael Neser led Australia’s bowling effort with 4 for 45, while Scott Boland claimed 3 for 30 to trigger England’s collapse.
Harry Brook provided brief resistance with a brisk 41 off 34 balls, sharing a 50-run stand with Ben Stokes, but England were unable to build momentum and were bowled out inside 30 overs.
Former England captain Kevin Pietersen questioned the pitch conditions, drawing comparisons with past criticism faced by India when wickets fall rapidly on the opening day of a Test match.
Australia, having already retained the Ashes by winning the first three Tests, will look to press home their advantage on day two as the match promises more drama on a lively surface.