The first day of the fourth Ashes Test between Australia and England at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) saw fast bowlers dominate as 20 wickets fell in a thrilling contest. England’s decision to bowl first after winning the toss paid off handsomely, with Josh Tongue leading the way by claiming five wickets and dismantling Australia’s top order. Despite brief resistance from Michael Neser and Cameron Green, Australia were bundled out for 152 runs in just 45.2 overs. England’s response was equally disastrous as Mitchell Starc and Michael Neser ripped through their batting lineup, reducing the visitors to 110 all out in 29.5 overs. At the end of the day, Australia led by 46 runs with 4/0 in their second innings.
Australia’s struggles as top order collapses 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 the England bowlers. After being put in to bat, Australia lost wickets at regular intervals, starting with Travis Head, who was dismissed for just 12 by Gus Atkinson. The middle order failed to build any partnerships, with Jake Weatherald (10), Marnus Labuschagne (6) and Steve Smith (9) all departing cheaply.
Smith’s dismissal was particularly painful, as Josh Tongue cleaned him up with a perfect delivery that nipped back and shattered the stumps. Usman Khawaja (29) and Alex Carey (20) were the only other notable contributors, while Michael Neser top-scored with 35. Australia were bowled out for 152 in 45.2 overs, with Tongue finishing with impressive figures of 5/45, as England’s bowlers enjoyed excellent conditions throughout the day.
England’s response: Collapse to Mitchell Starc and Michael Neser’s prowess
England’s chase of 153 was always going to be a challenging task, and they were quickly brought to their knees by Australia’s seam attack. Zak Crawley (5) and Ben Duckett (2) were dismissed early by Mitchell Starc, with the latter caught by Neser at second slip. The key wicket of Joe Root for a duck further derailed England’s hopes as they found themselves struggling at 8/3. Harry Brook (41) tried to fight back with a rapid innings, hitting two boundaries and two sixes, but the pressure was relentless. Ben Stokes (16) also failed to make a significant impact, and after Brook was dismissed, England’s batting crumbled further. Neser took 4 wickets, while Scott Boland and Jhye Richardson each chipped in with a wicket. England were dismissed for 110 in just 29.5 overs, handing Australia a vital 46-run lead at the close of play on Day 1.
Here’s how fans reacted:
Jofra Archer has never got Steve Smith out. But Josh Tongue has dismissed him three times, ie every time he’s bowled to him in first-class cricket
— Will Macpherson (@willis_macp) December 26, 2025
I meant in yesterdays tweet, that Australia as a team, should try get 200 and England should try get to 100! 🤣🤣🤣🤣
— Kevin Pietersen🦏 (@KP24) December 26, 2025
Josh Tongue has dismissed Steve Smith in every first-class game he’s bowled to him. Dismissed him in The Hundred as well earlier this year.
— Rohit Sankar (@imRohit_SN) December 26, 2025
Josh Tongue! Whistle.
Five-for. Well done, man.
— Bharath Ramaraj (@Fancricket12) December 26, 2025
A tough tour can break you down and England have just seen that. You bowl Australia out for a mere 152 and then get all out for 110 – that’s suicidal.
And, all in a day’s play, in front of the largest recorded crowd for a Test at the MCG for a long long time. #Ashes #AUSvENG…— Vikrant Gupta (@vikrantgupta73) December 26, 2025
Will Jacks steps out first ball to Scott Boland and tries to smack it down the ground!!
Broadcaster zooms in tight on Ben Stokes at the non strikers end.😂😂
Australia is a tough place to tour, especially if you are 0-3 down. #Ashes
— Ashwin 🇮🇳 (@ashwinravi99) December 26, 2025
Another two-day Ashes Test beckoning. England are going to have to buy a lot of beer to offset the MCG’s lost day 3 revenues.
— Iceland Cricket (@icelandcricket) December 26, 2025
When Australia batted…. English commentators were saying “ great from the England bowlers “
When England batted, “ this pitch is doing too much “#Ashes2025
— Lewis Yates .com (@LewisYatesOfcl) December 26, 2025
Bonkers. https://t.co/nixK4k6ZWr
— Piers Morgan (@piersmorgan) December 26, 2025
Australia holds a 46-run lead at stumps on day 1 in the 4th Ashes Test 🌟#Ashes2025 #AUSvsENG pic.twitter.com/nmA3Hit49W
— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) December 26, 2025
