England finally gave their Ashes campaign fresh life on Boxing Day as Josh Tongue spearheaded a relentless pace attack to dismiss Australia for just 152 on the opening day of the fourth Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.
On a lively surface under overcast skies, England seized control early and sustained their pressure throughout the day, even as Australia continued to hold an unassailable 3-0 lead in the five-match series.
After winning the toss on a cool, overcast morning, England captain Ben Stokes had no hesitation in opting to bowl first, a decision that paid rich dividends on a surface offering movement and bounce. England struck early and never loosened their grip, leaving Australia four wickets down by lunch following a series of loose shots from the top order.
Coming into the second session, the key question was whether England could maintain pressure after the interval—an area where they have faltered earlier in the series. This time, there was no let-up. Gus Atkinson and Stokes hit back immediately, slicing through the middle order to reduce Australia to 91 for 6. With Usman Khawaja and Alex Carey dismissed in quick succession, the onus fell on Cameron Green to stage a recovery, but his innings ended in disappointment when he was run out by Brydon Carse off his own bowling, summing up Australia’s struggles.
Josh Tongue was the standout performer, claiming a memorable five-wicket haul on Boxing Day at the ‘G’. The 28-year-old fast bowler removed Jake Weatherald, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Michael Neser and Scott Boland in a relentless spell that combined pace, bounce and discipline.
Supported ably by Atkinson, who finished with figures of 2 for 28, England bowled Australia out shortly before tea, capping a dominant effort in the field. Carse and Stokes picked up one wicket each to complete the collapse.
With the fall of the final wicket, the tea break was taken, Tongue leading his teammates off the field to warm applause—an unforgettable moment for the seamer on one of cricket’s grandest stages.
Earlier, Australia had confirmed an all-pace playing XI for the Boxing Day Test, handing Jhye Richardson a recall for his first Test appearance in more than four years following recovery from a shoulder injury. Richardson was preferred over Brendan Doggett as Australia doubled down on seam firepower at the MCG.
In the absence of regular skipper Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc spearheaded the Australian attack alongside Scott Boland, Michael Neser and Richardson, while veteran spinner Nathan Lyon missed out as he continues to recover from a hamstring injury sustained during the Adelaide Test.
England, meanwhile, made two changes to their side, drafting in Jacob Bethell and Gus Atkinson in place of Ollie Pope and the injured Jofra Archer, signalling an intent to freshen up both batting and bowling resources.
Attention now shifts to England’s batting, with Starc, Boland and company set to test the tourists under challenging late-afternoon conditions. A tricky spell awaits England’s openers, but after a near-perfect day in the field, England finally have momentum on their side on Boxing Day at the MCG.
Australia XI: Travis Head, Jake Weatherald, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith (captain), Usman Khawaja, Alex Carey (wicketkeeper), Cameron Green, Michael Neser, Mitchell Starc, Jhye Richardson, Scott Boland
England XI: Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Jacob Bethell, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Ben Stokes (captain), Jamie Smith (wicketkeeper), Will Jacks, Gus Atkinson, Brydon Carse, Josh Tongue
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