Ashes Test 4 Day 1 : 20 Wicket Fall in a Day at the MCG
Ashes Test 4 burst into life on Day 1 at the MCG, where a lively surface and relentless fast bowling produced a dramatic 20-wicket day. England’s decision to bowl first paid instant dividends as the ball zipped around under overcast skies. Australia never truly settled, while England’s own batting later suffered a similar fate. With seam movement, uneven bounce and constant pressure dominating proceedings, the opening day turned into a stern examination of technique, temperament, and shot selection.
Australia vs England – 4th Ashes Test • Day 1
The Ashes 2025/26 • Melbourne Cricket Ground
Day 1 Summary
Day 1 was defined by excess movement and uncompromising fast bowling. The surface offered seam, bounce, and occasional unplayable deliveries, leaving batters guessing from ball one. England’s bowlers, led by disciplined spells and smart field placements, dismantled Australia’s top order early. Australia responded in kind, ripping through England’s batting with similar venom. While the pitch never appeared dangerous, it was unforgiving, punishing indecision and loose technique. Twenty wickets fell in a single day — a statistic that will fuel debate, but one that also showcased relentless pressure from both bowling attacks.
Session-wise Breakdown of Day-1
Morning Session – England Strike Early as Green Top Bites Hard
The opening session belonged firmly to England’s seamers. Winning the toss and bowling first, they immediately found reward on a surface offering pronounced seam movement. Travis Head’s dismissal set the tone, followed quickly by Jake Weatherald and Marnus Labuschagne as Australia slipped from a steady start into early trouble. Josh Tongue was outstanding, hitting the corridor relentlessly and forcing mistakes through pressure rather than pace alone. The Australian batters struggled to judge length, often caught between committing forward or playing from the crease. By the end of the session, England had justified their decision to bowl, firmly on top in helpful conditions.
Post Lunch Session – Tongue Leads England's Charge, Australia Reeling
The middle session continued England’s dominance as Josh Tongue delivered a decisive spell. Steven Smith was undone by a delivery that jagged back sharply, while Cameron Green’s run-out summed up Australia’s growing confusion. Alex Carey and Usman Khawaja attempted to stabilise the innings, but clever field placements and relentless accuracy kept the pressure constant. Carey’s dismissal, caught at leg slip after a subtle field change by Ben Stokes, underlined England’s tactical sharpness. Despite brief resistance, Australia never escaped England’s grip, eventually sliding towards a sub-200 total on a pitch that continued to offer assistance.
Post Tea Session – Australia Hit Back as England Crumble Too
Just when England looked set to seize full control, Australia’s fast bowlers ensured the contest remained even. Mitchell Starc struck early, removing Duckett and Crawley, before Michael Neser produced a masterclass in seam bowling. Joe Root’s duck and Ben Stokes’ dismissal triggered a collapse as England lost wickets in rapid succession. Scott Boland was relentless, extracting awkward bounce and movement, running through the middle order with precision. England’s batters appeared short on confidence, frequently opting for survival over scoring, only to be undone by sustained pressure. By stumps, England’s innings mirrored Australia’s struggles, completing a remarkable day of bowler dominance.
Top Performers on Day 1
Josh Tongue - Set the Tone for the Day
Josh Tongue was England’s standout performer on Day 1, delivering a spell that shaped the match. Bowling with discipline and subtle movement, he claimed key wickets at crucial moments, including Smith and Labuschagne. Tongue’s ability to maintain relentless pressure forced batters into uncertain footwork and rushed decisions. His five-wicket haul was a reward for consistency rather than sheer pace, and his impact extended beyond the scoreboard, setting the tone for England’s aggressive bowling approach throughout the day.
Michael Neser’s Relentless Control
Michael Neser was Australia’s most effective bowler, extracting movement off the seam with remarkable control. Operating in the perfect channel outside off, he removed key England batters and consistently beat the bat. Neser’s spell against Joe Root was particularly telling, culminating in a well-earned dismissal. Beyond wickets, his economy rate and ability to sustain pressure played a crucial role in triggering England’s collapse, reaffirming his value in conditions that reward precision.
What to Expect on Day 2
Day 2 promises more drama if conditions remain unchanged. Batting will continue to demand patience and sound technique, while bowlers will sense further opportunities. With the pitch already under scrutiny and confidence fragile in both camps, the first substantial partnership could prove decisive. Expect another hard-fought day where discipline, rather than flair, shapes the direction of the Test.
