AUS Vs ENG, 4th Ashes Test Day 1: Aussies Hold 46-Run Lead After England Collapse For 110, Neser Shines with 4-45

Day 1 of the Fourth Ashes Test at the MCG was a gripping, bowler-dominated spectacle as 20 wickets tumbled on Boxing Day. Australia, put into bat, were bundled out for 152, with Josh Tongue shining with a five-wicket haul and only Michael Neser offering meaningful resistance with a top score around the 30s. England’s reply proved equally disastrous as their top order collapsed, eventually being dismissed for 110, with Neser returning impressive figures and Scott Boland among the wicket-takers. By stumps, Australia had begun their second innings and finished 4/0, leading by 46 runs, a testimony to the seam-friendly conditions and relentless bowling on both sides. The match set up as a thrilling battle with bowlers firmly in control early on.

Updated on: 26 December 2025 1:57 pm

Australia Vs England 4th Ashes Test Day 1 photo- Scott Boland

Australia's Scott Boland, left, successfully appeals for a LBW on England's Harry Brook, right, during their Ashes cricket test match in Melbourne. | Photo: AP/Hamish Blair

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Australia Vs England 4th Ashes Test Day 1 photo-Harry Brook

England's Harry Brook, right, swings wildly at a delivery from Australia's Mitchell Starc, left, during their Ashes cricket test match in Melbourne. | Photo: AP/Hamish Blair

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Australia Vs England 4th Ashes Test Day 1 photo-Mitchell Starc

Australia's Mitchell Starc, right, celebrates the wicket of England's Zak Crawley, center, during their Ashes cricket test match in Melbourne. | Photo: AP/Hamish Blair

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Australia Vs England 4th Ashes Test Day 1 photo-Michael Neser

Australia's Michael Neser, right, celenbrates the wicket of England's Jacob Bethell, left, during their Ashes cricket test match in Melbourne. | Photo: AP/Hamish Blair

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Australia Vs England 4th Ashes Test Day 1 photo-Josh Tongue

England's Josh Tongue, center, celebrates with teammates after taking the wicket of Australia's Scott Boland during their Ashes cricket test match in Melbourne. | Photo: AP/Hamish Blair

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Australia's Michael Neser is bowled by England's Josh Tongue during their Ashes cricket test match in Melbourne. | Photo: AP/Hamish Blair

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Australia Vs England 4th Ashes Test Day 1 photo-Ben Stokes

England's Ben Stokes, second right, celebrates with teammates after dismissing Australia's Alex Carey during their Ashes cricket test match in Melbourne. | Photo: AP/Hamish Blair

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Australia Vs England 4th Ashes Test Day 1 photo-Gus Atkinson

England's Gus Atkinson, center, celebrates the wicket of Australia Usman Khawaja, left, during their Ashes cricket test match in Melbourne. | Photo: AP/Hamish Blair

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Australia Vs England 4th Ashes Test Day 1 photo-Joe Root

England's Joe Root, second left, catches out Australia's Marnus Labuschagne, center, during their Ashes cricket test match in Melbourne. | Photo: AP/Hamish Blair

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Australia Vs England 4th Ashes Test Day 1 photo-Steve Smith

Australia's Steve Smith is bowled by England's Josh Tongue during their Ashes cricket test match in Melbourne. | Photo: AP/Hamish Blair

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England's Gus Atkinson, center, celebrates with teammates after bowling Australia's Travis Head during their Ashes cricket test match in Melbourne. | Photo: AP/Hamish Blair

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