In a breathtaking and chaotic display of fast bowling, a staggering 20 wickets tumbled on the opening day of the fourth Ashes Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. Despite being bowled out for a paltry 152, Australia managed to secure a 42-run first-innings lead over England and finished the day on Friday, December 26, 2025, with an overall advantage of 46 runs.
A Day of Dramatic Collapses
The historic day of cricket unfolded before a world-record crowd of 94,199 spectators, the highest ever for a single day of cricket, surpassing the 2015 World Cup final attendance. The flurry of wickets also set a new record for a Boxing Day Test, eclipsing the previous mark of 18 set in 1998.
England, having lost the first three Tests and surrendered the Ashes, won the toss and elected to bowl on a pitch offering significant assistance. The decision paid immediate dividends as seamer Josh Tongue claimed a career-best 5-45, ripping through Australia's top order. He dismissed star batter Steve Smith for just 7, a wicket Tongue described as "a very special feeling." Australia stumbled to 72-4 at lunch and was eventually dismissed for 152, with Michael Neser's 35 providing late resistance.
England's Reply Falters Under Pressure
Any hopes England had of building a substantial lead were quickly dashed by Australia's relentless attack. The visitors found themselves in dire straits at 16-4 in the eighth over, having lost Zak Crawley, Jacob Bethell, Ben Duckett, and Joe Root cheaply. A brief counter-attack led by Harry Brook, who smashed 41 off 34 balls, and captain Ben Stokes (16) offered some hope. However, the lower order collapsed, and England was bowled out for 110 in just 29.5 overs, handing Australia a lead.
Neser was instrumental again with the ball, taking 4-45, while Scott Boland chipped in with 3-30. Australia safely navigated one nervous over before stumps, ending the day at 4-0 in their second innings.
Records Tumble on a Boxing Day Spectacle
The day's events were nothing short of extraordinary. The 20 wickets marked the most productive first day in Ashes cricket since 27 fell on the opening day at Lord's in 1888. For the players, it was a whirlwind. "It's been a bit of a whirlwind," admitted Neser. "I dreamed of this as a kid. It gives me goosebumps just thinking about it."
The match continues with Australia holding a fragile lead, but with the pitch showing considerable life, more drama is assured. England will be without star paceman Jofra Archer for the remainder of the series, including the final Test in Sydney beginning January 4.
