Australia lead England after 20 wickets fall at Boxing Day Ashes Test

MELBOURNE — Cricket fans at the Melbourne Cricket Ground were treated to pure chaos on Boxing Day as 20 wickets fell on the opening day of the fourth Ashes Test, leaving Australia 46 runs ahead of England after a fast-moving and unpredictable day.

England captain Ben Stokes won the toss and chose to bowl, a move that paid off quickly under cloudy skies. England’s fast bowlers, led by Josh Tongue, tore through Australia’s top order. Tongue claimed a brilliant five-wicket haul, the first by an England bowler at the MCG in over two decades, as Australia were bowled out for 152.

Only Usman Khawaja and Michael Neser offered brief resistance, but Australia never settled, losing wickets at regular intervals. England looked firmly in control at that stage.

But the momentum flipped sharply once England came out to bat.

Australia’s bowlers hit back hard, reducing England to 16-4 inside the first few overs. Star batter Joe Root was dismissed without scoring, adding to England’s growing problems. Harry Brook played a quick counter-attacking knock, but his effort was short-lived as Australia kept the pressure on.

England were eventually bowled out for just 110, with Scott Boland leading the charge in front of his home crowd. The collapse left England stunned and handed Australia a clear edge.

By stumps, Australia were 4 without loss in their second innings, stretching their lead to 46 runs and closing the day in control.

A packed MCG crowd witnessed one of the most dramatic Boxing Day openings in Ashes history. With the pitch still offering plenty to bowlers, the match remains wide open, but Australia have landed the first major blow in their push for series dominance.

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