Day 1 of the 4th Ashes Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), the Boxing Day Test, turned into a throwback fast-bowling slugfest, with batters from both sides left scrambling on a lively surface that offered seam and bounce from the outset. Twenty wickets fell in a single day as Australia were dismissed for 152 and England collapsed even more dramatically, bowled out for just 110 in under 30 overs.
Michael Neser returns with figures of 4 wickets for 45 runs
Michael Neser made the most of his recall, leading Australia’s charge with four wickets as England’s top order failed to blunt the new ball. Earlier, Josh Tongue had given England hope by claiming five wickets after Ben Stokes opted to field, but that advantage quickly evaporated once Australia’s bowlers found their rhythm.
Australia lead by 46 runs at STUMPS on Day 1
Australia end the day with a 46-run lead as they are 4/0 at Stumps with the contest remaining finely poised despite the low totals. However, given Australia’s 3-0 lead in the series, the hosts will feel the chaos of day one suits them just fine-especially on a pitch that promises little respite for batters going forward.
Harsha Bhogle says 20 wickets on a single day not good for Test cricket
Meanwhile, there have been all kinds of reactions on an action-packed day at the MCG. Indian cricket comnentator Harsha Bhogle felt that 20 wickets on a single day was not a good sign for Test match cricket.
Harry Brook England’s leading run-scorer in first innings
For England, it was Harry Brook who led their batting effort with 41 off 34. Neser not only shone with the bat but even scored a gritty 35 off 49, on a surface which tested even the most technically sound batters playing this game.