Australia secured a 46-run lead on the first day of the Boxing Day Test against England. A total of 20 wickets fell on the opening day, with the hosts being bowled out for 152 and England responding with a mere 110. This marked the first time since 1901-02 that over 20 wickets fell on the first day of an Ashes Test in Australia.
Josh Tongue delivered an exceptional performance, achieving the best Boxing Day figures since Ian Botham’s 5-41 in 1986. He became the first English bowler in over two decades to claim a fifer at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. Gus Atkinson and Tongue made crucial breakthroughs, dismissing key Australian batsmen early in the game.
Despite a brief partnership between Cameron Green and Michael Neser, Australia suffered a collapse, losing their last four wickets for just nine runs. England, however, failed to capitalize on their bowling success and were bowled out for their lowest Test score since 2021. Mitchell Starc and Neser wreaked havoc on the English batting lineup, leading to a precarious position of 16-4 within eight overs.
Harry Brook’s aggressive innings provided some resistance for England, but their batting order crumbled under pressure. Neser and Boland played pivotal roles in dismantling the English lineup, ultimately bundling them out for 110. Australia ended the day with a 46-run lead, posting 4 for no loss in the second innings.
