Bowlers dominate as 20 Wickets fall on opening day of fourth Ashes test

In one of the most dramatic opening days in Ashes history, 20 wickets fell on Day 1 of the fourth Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, as Australia and England traded collapses in front of a world-record Boxing Day crowd of 94,199.

Despite being bowled out for a modest 152, Australia still emerged with a 42-run first-innings lead after skittling England for just 110, underlining the extraordinary nature of a day dominated by pace, movement and relentless pressure. By stumps, Australia had edged ahead further, reaching 4 without loss in its second innings for an overall lead of 46 runs.

The wicket carnage marked a Boxing Day Test record, surpassing the previous mark of 18 wickets set during the 1998 Ashes. Only once in Test history have more wickets fallen in a single day than the 27 wickets that tumbled during the 1888 Ashes Test at Lord’s.

The action unfolded on a pitch offering lively seam movement, and England capitalised early after winning the toss. Josh Tongue produced a career-best spell of 5 for 45, spearheading Australia’s collapse with relentless accuracy and bounce.

Australia struggled from the outset, slumping to 31 for 2 inside 10 overs as Travis Head (12) and Jake Weatherald (10) departed cheaply. Tongue struck again to remove Marnus Labuschagne (6), who edged to slip, before delivering a major blow by bowling captain Steve Smith (6) through the gate while attempting an ambitious drive.

“He’s an amazing player. I’ve grown up watching him,” Tongue said of Smith. “Getting him out is a very special feeling. It’s been an amazing day of Test-match cricket.”

Veteran Usman Khawaja (29) attempted to steady the innings but was caught behind off Gus Atkinson at 89 for 5, while Alex Carey followed soon after. A brief resistance came through Michael Neser (35) and Cameron Green (17), whose 52-run partnership lifted Australia past 140 before Green was run out.

Tongue capped his day in style, dismissing Neser and Scott Boland (0) with consecutive deliveries, bowling Australia out for 152 just before tea.

England’s reply began as chaotically as Australia’s innings had ended. Within five overs, the visitors were 8 for 3, losing Zak Crawley, Jacob Bethell, and Ben Duckett in quick succession. When Joe Root edged Neser to the keeper for a duck, England were reeling at 16 for 4.

Harry Brook counterattacked bravely, smashing 41 off 34 balls with two fours and two sixes, and adding 50 runs with skipper Ben Stokes (16). But the resistance was short-lived. Boland (3 for 30) ripped through the middle order, and Neser finished with 4 for 45 as England folded for 110.

“With 20 wickets falling, it was a bit of a whirlwind,” Neser said. “I dreamed of this as a kid. It gives me goose bumps just thinking about it.”

England’s struggles were compounded by the absence of injured quick Jofra Archer, ruled out for the remainder of the series.

After losing the first three Tests, England now faced another uphill battle as Australia, already assured of retaining the Ashes, tightened their grip on a series defined by relentless intensity and unforgettable drama.

Brief Score:

Australia 1st Innings:

152 all out, Josh Tongue 5/45

England 1st Innings:

110 all out, Michael Neser 4/45, Scott Boland 3/30

Australia 2nd Innings:

4/0 (stumps)

Australia lead by: 46 runs