Bowlers from Australia and England dominated on Day 1 (Friday, December 26) of the ongoing fourth Test match at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground in Melbourne. It was the first time since the 1901-02 Ashes series that a total of 20 wickets fell on the opening day of a Test between Australia and England.
There was plenty of grass on the opening day, making life difficult for batters. After winning the toss, Ben Stokes-led England bowled out the hosts for just 152 runs, with Josh Tongue claiming a five-wicket haul. Australia’s bowlers then struck back, dismissing the visitors for 110 in under 30 overs to take a 42-run lead.
20 Wickets Fall on Action-Packed Day 1 at the MCG
The opening day of the Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground delivered non-stop action, with bowlers dominating from the very first session. A total of 20 wickets fell on Day 1, a collapse that is rare in modern Test cricket.
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It was the first time since 1902 that Australia and England had seen 20 wickets fall in a single day of a Test in Australia. The pitch offered plenty of assistance, and batters from both sides struggled to settle at the crease.
The game moved at a fast pace, with frequent breakthroughs keeping the match in constant motion and giving the day the feel of a bygone era. The only busier day at the MCG between the two teams also came in 1902, when 25 wickets fell on the opening day, a record that still stands.
Overall, the 20-wicket day ranked as the sixth-most wickets to fall on the opening day of a Test between Australia and England and the fifth-highest for any Test played in Australia.
Most Wickets to Fall on Day 1 of a Test in Australia
| Wickets | Match | Venue | Season |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25 | Australia vs England | Melbourne | 1901-02 |
| 22 | Australia vs West Indies | Adelaide | 1951-52 |
| 20 | Australia vs South Africa | Melbourne | 1931-32 |
| 20 | Australia vs England | Melbourne | 1894-95 |
| 20 | Australia vs England | Melbourne | 2025-26 |
The Ball Is Definitely Nipping Around – Michael Neser
Australian bowler Michael Neser shared his thoughts on the conditions. The Australian all-rounder said that batting was difficult, with the ball moving and rewarding bowlers who hit the right areas. He added that scoring runs requires applying pressure, and doing so is not easy in such testing conditions.
“We saw when we batted it was tough. The ball is definitely nipping around, you still have to put it in the right area,” Neser said.
“A dream come true (to play in the Boxing Day Test). I watched this as a kid and to be out here gives me goosebumps. It is a tricky one, at the same time you have to put pressure on their bowlers. It is not easy as the ball is nipping around.”
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