The first day The fourth Ashes Test between Australia and England The Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) saw the fast bowlers dominate as 20 wickets fell in a thrilling contest. England’s decision to bowl for the first time after winning the toss was a fine result Josh Dil leading the charge by claiming five wickets and demolishing Australia’s top order. Despite the brief resistance Michael Neser and Cameron GreenAustralia were bundled out for 152 runs in just 45.2 overs. England’s response was equally disastrous Mitchell Starc and Michael Neser He reduced the visitors to 110 in 29.5 overs and tore through their batting order. At the end of the day, Australia took a 46-run lead in their second innings at 4/0.
Australia’s struggle as the top order crumbles against Josh Tongue
Australia’s batting on Day 1 was a tale of frustration as the hosts struggled to cope with the pace and movement offered by England’s bowlers. After being put into bat, Australia lost wickets at regular intervals Head of Travisby whom only 12 were dismissed Gus Atkinson. He could not form any partnership with the middle order Jake Weatherald (10), Marnus Labuschagne (6) and Steve Smith (9) all go cheap.
Smith’s dismissal was particularly painful Josh Dil cleaned it up with a perfect delivery that brought it back and split the stumps. Osman Khawaja (29) and Alex Carey (20) were the only other notable contributors Michael Neser Australia were all out for 152 in 45.2 overs, with Language finishing with impressive figures of 5/45 as England’s bowlers took advantage of excellent conditions throughout the day.
England’s response: Kudos to the heroics of Mitchell Starc and Michael Neser
England’s chase of 153 was always going to be a tough task and they were quickly brought to their knees by Australia’s seam attack. Zach Crawley (5) and Ben Duckett Dismissed prematurely by (2). Mitchell StarcCaught by Neser at second slip. Main door Joe Root A duck further derailed England’s hopes as they found themselves struggling at 8/3. Harry Brooke (41) tried to fight back with the quick-fire hitting two boundaries and two sixes, but the pressure was relentless. Ben Stokes (16) also failed to make a significant impact and England’s batting collapsed further after Brook was dismissed. Neser took out 4 doors Scott Boland and Jhye Richardson each chipped with a keeper. England were bowled out for 110 in just 29.5 overs to give Australia a vital lead of 46 runs at the end of Day 1.
Here’s how the fans reacted:
Jofra Archer never left Steve Smith out. But Josh Tongue dismissed him thrice, every time he played against him in first-class cricket.
— Will Macpherson (@willis_macp) December 26, 2025
In yesterday’s tweet, I mean Australia should try to get to 200 as a team and England should try to get to 100! 🤣🤣🤣🤣
— Kevin Pietersen🦏 (@KP24) December 26, 2025
Josh Tongue has dismissed Steve Smith in every first-class game he has bowled to him. At the beginning of this year, he was fired from “Yuz”.
— Rohit Sankar (@imRohit_SN) December 26, 2025
Josh Tongue! Whistle.
For five. Well done, man.
— Bharath Ramaraj (@Fancricket12) December 26, 2025
A tough tour can tear you apart and England just saw that. You get Australia just 152 and then you get 110 – that’s suicidal.
And in a one-day game in front of the biggest recorded crowd for a test at the MCG for a long time. #Ash #AUSvENG…— Vikrant Gupta (@vikrantgupta73) December 26, 2025
Will Jacks throws the first ball to Scott Boland and tries to run him down the ground!!
Broadcaster brings Ben Stokes closer at the non-striker’s end.😂😂
Australia is a tough place to tour, especially if you are 0-3 down. #Ash
— Ashwin 🇮🇳 (@ashwinravi99) December 26, 2025
Another two-day Ashes Test calls. England will have to buy a lot of beer to make up for lost MCG revenue on Day 3.
— Iceland Cricket (@icelandcricket) December 26, 2025
When Australia batted… the English commentators were saying “Great from the England bowlers”.
When England bat, ‘this pitch does a lot’#Ashes2025
— Lewis Yates .com (@LewisYatesOfcl) December 26, 2025
Bonkers. https://t.co/nixK4k6ZWr
— Piers Morgan (@piersmorgan) December 26, 2025
Australia lead by 46 runs at stumps on Day 1 in the 4th Ashes Test 🌟#Ashes2025 #AUSvsENG pic.twitter.com/nmA3Hit49W
— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) December 26, 2025
