Melbourne, December 26, 2025: England were bowled out for a meagre 110 on the opening day of the fourth Ashes Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on Friday, handing Australia a 42-run first-innings lead in a bowler-dominated contest.
After being sent in on a green, pace-friendly wicket, Australia were dismissed for 152 under overcast conditions despite a packed MCG. England’s bowlers made full use of the movement on offer, but the tourists’ batting collapse later in the day left them firmly on the back foot.
Harry Brook top-scored for England with 41, the only meaningful resistance in an otherwise fragile batting display. Michael Neser led Australia’s attack with figures of 4 for 45, while Scott Boland claimed 3 for 30 to exploit the lively surface.
Earlier, England captain Ben Stokes won a crucial toss and chose to bowl, a decision that paid immediate dividends. Openers Travis Head (12) and Jake Weatherald (10) fell cheaply, while Marnus Labuschagne managed just six as Gus Atkinson and Josh Tongue extracted seam and swing under cloud cover.
Steve Smith briefly appeared to steady the innings, but he was bowled for nine by a sharp Tongue delivery that rattled his middle stump, sending England’s “Barmy Army” into full voice.
Australia’s struggles continued after lunch, with Usman Khawaja (29), Alex Carey (20) and Cameron Green (17) all departing in quick succession. Michael Neser was the top scorer for the hosts with 35, while Josh Tongue finished with impressive figures of 5 for 45.
In reply, England fared even worse on the same surface, losing wickets regularly to Australia’s disciplined pace attack. Brook’s fluent 41 stood out amid the collapse, but there was little support at the other end as England were bundled out late in the day.
Australia, who have already retained the Ashes following dominant wins in Perth, Brisbane and Adelaide, are firmly in control of the series. England, meanwhile, are playing for pride in Melbourne after losing the urn in just 11 days of play.
The tourists came into the Test under pressure following criticism of their Ashes preparations and controversy surrounding alleged excessive drinking during a mid-series break. Missing injured pace spearhead Jofra Archer, England recalled Atkinson to open the bowling, a move that paid off early but was overshadowed by their batting frailties.
With plenty of movement still on offer, day two promises more drama as Australia look to build on their advantage and England seek a way back into the contest.
