Ashes nightmare: England collapse spectacularly on Day 1 before record MCG crowd

England’s Ashes misery deepened on a chaotic opening day of the fourth Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, where 20 wickets fell in a throwback to cricket’s earliest eras and Australia emerged firmly on top in front of a record Boxing Day crowd.

The surreal tone of the day was set early. Any England fan waking late on Boxing Day would have been stunned to see Scott Boland walking out to open the batting alongside Travis Head — a sight that underlined just how extraordinary the opening day had been. Both teams were bowled out on Day 1 as fast bowlers dominated on a lively, green-tinged surface.

England briefly held the upper hand after dismissing Australia for 152, but yet again failed to capitalise. Their batting collapsed under pressure, and by stumps Australia had established a 46-run lead after skittling the tourists for just 110.

It was the first time since the 1894–95 Ashes series that 20 wickets had fallen in a single day of an Ashes Test, and the first such instance in the era of covered pitches. Played at relentless pace, the contest evoked a bygone age, with momentum swinging violently throughout the day.

Josh Tongue provided England’s lone moment of genuine optimism, producing a sensational spell to claim five wickets and rip through Australia’s top order. However, as has so often been the case on this tour, England’s batters were unable to support their bowlers, leaving the visitors once again chasing the game.

The drama unfolded in front of 93,442 spectators, a new attendance record for a cricket match at the MCG, surpassing the 93,013 who attended the 2015 World Cup final. For the fans, it was full paisa-vasool entertainment; for England, it was another bruising chapter in a tour going badly wrong.

England’s batting collapse followed a familiar script. Only three players reached double figures — Harry Brook top-scored with a counter-attacking 41, while Ben Stokes made 16 and Gus Atkinson added a battling 28. Australia’s all-pace attack exploited the conditions ruthlessly, exposing England’s lack of clarity and cohesion at the crease.

Joe Root’s struggles continued as the former captain was dismissed for a 15-ball duck, offering little resistance as England’s innings unravelled. Once again, the visitors appeared short of ideas, failing to build partnerships or press home their advantage.

Tongue leads England’s fight

England’s decision to bowl first after winning the toss on a grass-rich surface initially paid dividends. Gus Atkinson, replacing the injured Jofra Archer, struck early by removing Travis Head for 12, but Australia counter-attacked until Tongue was introduced as first change.

Bowling fuller and making the most of seam movement, Tongue triggered a collapse before lunch, dismissing Jake Weatherald (10), Marnus Labuschagne (6) and captain Steve Smith (9). Smith’s dismissal was the standout — a delivery that pitched up and jagged back sharply to hit middle stump — as Australia went to lunch at 72 for four.

England maintained the pressure after the interval. Atkinson removed Usman Khawaja for 29 after a successful review, while Alex Carey fell for 20. Any hopes of an Australian recovery ended abruptly when Cameron Green was run out for 17, sparking the loss of the last four wickets for nine runs, with the final three falling without a run added.

Mitchell Starc made one, Michael Neser top-scored with 35 and Boland was dismissed for a duck. Tongue returned to clean up the tail and finish with five wickets, but England’s inability to back up their bowling meant Australia still closed a breathless first day firmly in control.