First Time In 123 Years: History Made In Australia vs England 4th Ashes Test
A historic collapse and a world-record crowd defined an unforgettable first day at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, where 20 wickets fell in a single day of an Ashes Test for the first time since 1902.
A Day of Unprecedented Carnage at the MCG
On a dramatic Boxing Day, England's Josh Tongue (5-45) tore through Australia's top order, helping bowl out the hosts for just 152. England, however, fared even worse in reply, bundled out for 110 by Michael Neser (4-45) and Scott Boland.
Despite the collapse, Australia's
first-innings total proved enough for a 42-run lead. By stumps,
Australia was 4/0 in its second innings, extending the overall lead to 46 in a
match where the outcome now hinges on every session.
Records Tumble Before Record Crowd
The frenetic day of play unfolded before a world-record single-day cricket crowd of 94,199 at the MCG, surpassing the previous mark set during the 2015 World Cup final. The 20 wickets also set a new record for a Boxing Day Test.
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This remarkable statistic had not been seen in an England-Australia Test in
Australia for 123 years, with the last instance occurring in
Melbourne during the 1901-02 season. The all-time Test record for first-day
wickets remains 27, set at Lord's in 1888.
Key Performances Define the Chaos
England's fightback was led by Josh Tongue, who claimed a career-best five-wicket haul, including the prized scalp of captain Steve Smith. "Getting him out is a very special feeling," Tongue said. For Australia, all-rounder Michael Neser starred with both bat (a crucial 35) and ball.
England's innings saw a brief counter-attack from Harry Brook
(41 off 34 balls), but regular wickets ensured the day belonged squarely to
the bowlers. With the series already decided in Australia's favor, this
historic day ensures the final two Tests remain intensely competitive.
Source Information:
You can follow the
live scorecard and full commentary for the match here:
Australia vs England, 4th Ashes Test Scorecard
