Record crowd witnesses extraordinary day of cricket
A Boxing Day record attendance of 94,199 packed the Melbourne Cricket Ground and were treated to one of the most remarkable days in Ashes history. Twenty wickets fell on a lively, grass-covered pitch that offered extravagant movement throughout, leaving Cricket Australia concerned about potential financial losses similar to the two-day Perth Test earlier in the series.
England, already 3-0 down and under intense scrutiny, won the toss and inserted Australia. The decision initially paid off handsomely as Josh Tongue ripped through the home side to claim career-best figures of 5 for 45, bowling Australia out for 152 before tea.
Josh Tongue stars as Australia bundled out for 152
Tongue’s natural angle, fuller lengths and wobbling seam proved too much for Australia’s batters. Michael Neser top-scored with a defiant 35 lower down the order, helping his side past 150 after they had slumped to precarious positions earlier.
The hosts were all out in 45.2 overs, with Gus Atkinson supporting Tongue by taking 2 wickets. The dismissal of Steve Smith, clean bowled by Tongue, was a highlight on a day dominated by the bowlers.
England collapse spectacularly to 110 all out
Any hopes of England capitalising on their bowling success evaporated rapidly. Mitchell Starc and Michael Neser tore through the top order, reducing England to 16 for 4 in just eight overs.
Neser finished with excellent figures of 4 for 45 on his Test debut with the red ball, while Scott Boland claimed 3 for 30. Starc triggered the collapse, dismissing Ben Duckett early and causing general disarray.
Harry Brook provided the only real resistance for England, striking 41 from 34 balls in an aggressive counter-attack that included two sixes and two fours. He became the highest scorer of the match before falling lbw to Boland.
Joe Root endured a painful 15-ball duck, edging behind in what has been a difficult series for him. Gus Atkinson contributed a useful 28 to drag England past 100.
Australia survive final over to close on 4/0
With light fading, Australia faced a tricky final over. Nightwatchman Scott Boland survived a close lbw shout and edged just short of gully before squirting the last ball for four.
Australia ended the day on 4 without loss in their second innings, holding a 46-run lead heading into day two.
The pitch, with its 10mm of grass, has drawn attention for its extreme assistance to bowlers. While England’s aggressive “Bazball” approach has been questioned after three defeats, Brook’s innings suggested that positive intent might have been the better option on this surface.
Day two promises more intrigue as both sides look to navigate the challenging conditions. Australia remain firmly in control of the Test and the series.
