Ashes agony deepens as England implode on Day 1 before record MCG crowd

If an England fan had missed an early-morning alarm on Boxing Day and woken up at 7am.

They could be forgiven for rubbing their eyes in disbelief at the sight of Australia opening the batting with Scott Boland and Travis Head. The surreal image neatly captured the chaos of Day 1 of the fourth Ashes Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, where 20 wickets fell in a frenetic opening day as England’s nightmare tour continued to unravel.

Australia were forced to bat twice on the opening day after both sides were bowled out, with fast bowlers dominating on a lively, green-tinged surface. England briefly seized momentum by dismissing Australia for 152 but squandered a golden opportunity with another fragile batting display, collapsing for just 110. By stumps, the hosts held a commanding 46-run lead and walked off smiling.

It was the first time since the 1894–95 series that 20 wickets had fallen in a single day of an Ashes Test, and the first such occurrence in the era of covered pitches. Played at breakneck speed, the contest felt like a throwback to a bygone age of Test cricket.

Josh Tongue’s sensational spell with the ball provided a rare highlight for England supporters packed into the MCG. But by the close of play, familiar looks of despondency had returned. Still, it was paisa-vasool entertainment for those in attendance, with a record 93,442 spectators watching the drama unfold — eclipsing the 93,013 who attended the 2015 World Cup final at the venue.

England’s batting collapse followed a depressingly familiar pattern. Only three batters reached double figures: Harry Brook top-scored with a counter-attacking 41, while Ben Stokes made 16 and Gus Atkinson chipped in with a fighting 28. Australia’s all-pace attack revelled in the conditions, repeatedly exploiting England’s uncertainty outside off stump.

Joe Root’s torrid tour continued as the former captain was dismissed for a 15-ball duck, offering little resistance as the innings unravelled. England appeared short of ideas, failing to build partnerships or capitalise on the strong platform provided by their bowlers.

Once again, missed opportunities left England chasing the game, reinforcing the sense of a tour slipping further out of control.

Josh Tongue heroics

England’s improved bowling performance on Day 1 was spearheaded by Josh Tongue, who claimed a superb five-wicket haul as Australia were bowled out for 152 in front of the record MCG crowd.

After winning the toss on a grass-rich surface, England opted to bowl. Gus Atkinson, replacing the injured Jofra Archer, struck early by removing Travis Head for 12. While runs initially flowed at the other end, Tongue turned the innings on its head after being introduced as first change.

Bowling fuller and extracting seam movement, Tongue struck three times before lunch, dismissing Jake Weatherald (10), Marnus Labuschagne (6) and captain Steve Smith (9). The highlight was Smith’s dismissal — a superb delivery that pitched up and jagged back to crash into middle stump. Australia reached lunch at 72 for four, with Tongue returning figures of 3 for 24.

England maintained the pressure after the interval. Atkinson removed Usman Khawaja for 29 following a successful review, while Alex Carey later gifted his wicket to Stokes for 20. Any hopes of an Australian recovery were dashed by a dramatic collapse, sparked by Cameron Green’s run-out for 17.

Australia then lost their final four wickets for just nine runs, with the last three falling without a run added. Mitchell Starc made one, Michael Neser top-scored with 35, and Boland was dismissed for a duck. Tongue returned to mop up the tail, finishing as England’s standout performer on a dramatic opening day that ultimately belonged to Australia.