It was a Boxing Day classic at the Melbourne Cricket Ground and nobody really knows what to expect on day 2 of the 4th Ashes Test between Australia and England. Both the teams showcased mastery with the ball, but with the bat, things were of low quality.
The opening day at the MCG will be remembered as one of the most chaotic and bowling dominated days in the history of the format, as a staggering 20 wickets fell for just 262 runs across the first two innings.
Winning a crucial toss, England captain Ben Stokes elected to bowl on a pitch which had 10mm of grass.
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The decision reaped immediate rewards as Josh Tongue ripped through the Australian lineup, claiming a career-best 5/45. His dismissals of Steve Smith and Marnus Labuschagne left the hosts reeling, eventually skittled for a meager 152.
However, the festive crowd was stunned as England’s batting frailties returned with a vengeance. Australia’s seamers found even more assistance under the late-afternoon clouds.
Michael Neser (4/45) and MCG specialist Scott Boland (3/30) dismantled the visitors' top order in rapid succession. Despite a defiant 41 from Harry Brook, England were bundled out for just 110 in 29.3 overs—their shortest completed first innings in Ashes history.
By stumps, Australia had navigated a tricky four-run mini-session to finish 4/0, holding a precious 46-run lead. The day ended with the match effectively reset, though the psychological scars of the 20-wicket carnage remained.
Australia vs England, 4th Ashes Test: Playing XIs
England: Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Jacob Bethell, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Ben Stokes (C), Jamie Smith (WK), Will Jacks, Gus Atkinson, Brydon Carse and Josh Tongue
Australia: Travis Head, Jake Weatherald, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith (C), Usman Khawaja, Alex Carey (WK), Cameron Green, Mitchell Starc, Scott Boland, Brendan Doggett, Michael Neser and Jhye Richardson (12th man)
The Ashes 2025-26 Live Streaming Details
The Australia Vs England 4th Ashes Test will be live-streamed on the JioHotstar app and website in India. Television broadcasts will take place on the Star Sports network channels in the country.
