The fourth Ashes Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) exploded into life on a frenetic Boxing Day, with an astonishing 20 wickets tumbling on the opening day. The chaotic scenes, played out in front of a record crowd, left the match delicately poised with Australia holding a slender 46-run lead.
Bowlers Dominate Under Melbourne Clouds
Under heavy cloud cover and on a green-tinged pitch, England captain Ben Stokes won a crucial toss and elected to bowl first. His decision was vindicated as his pace attack, led superbly by Josh Tongue (5 for 45), ripped through the Australian batting lineup. Despite a fighting 29 from Usman Khawaja, the hosts were bundled out for just 152. The collapse was dramatic, with key batters like Steve Smith and Marnus Labuschagne falling cheaply.
England's Batting Implosion Erases Advantage
Any momentum England gained was spectacularly squandered in their own innings. The tourists suffered a dramatic top-order collapse, slumping to 16 for 4. Mitchell Starc and Michael Neser (4 for 45) struck early blows, removing Ben Duckett, Zak Crawley, and Joe Root in quick succession. Harry Brook's counter-attacking 41 provided brief respite, but Scott Boland, a hero at the MCG, struck decisively to remove Brook lbw and trigger another collapse. England were eventually bowled out for a paltry 110.
Australia's Slim Lead Sets Up Tense Day Two
Australia's openers, nightwatchman Scott Boland and Travis Head, safely negotiated one over before stumps, taking the score to 4 without loss. This gives the hosts a lead of 46 runs, which, on this treacherous pitch, could prove significant. With the Ashes already retained after wins in Perth, Brisbane, and Adelaide, Australia is in the driver's seat, while England faces a monumental task to salvage pride in Melbourne.
The record crowd of 94,199 spectators witnessed one of the most eventful days in recent Ashes history, setting the stage for a potentially decisive second day. The bowlers from both sides have made it clear that every run will be fiercely contested in this high-stakes encounter.
