The Boxing Day Ashes Test 2025 at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) delivered one of the most extraordinary opening days in recent memory as 20 wickets fell, leaving Australia slightly ahead of England by stumps on Friday.

The chaotic first day saw both teams bowled out cheaply, providing fans with relentless action in front of a record crowd of 93,442 spectators, surpassing the previous MCG attendance record of 93,013 set during the 2015 World Cup final.

Australia’s Second Innings Advantage

At the close of play, Australia were 4/0 in their second innings, with nightwatchman Scott Boland unbeaten on 4 and Travis Head yet to score, giving the hosts a narrow 46-run lead over England.

Australia’s initial innings of 152, though modest, was enough to keep the match finely balanced, thanks in part to the bowling heroics from England’s Josh Tongue, who claimed 5-45 on a lively MCG pitch. However, England’s batting lineup crumbled in response, handing Australia a slight edge.

England’s Batting Collapse

England’s top order struggled, with opener Ben Duckett dismissed for just two, followed by Jacob Bethell, who scored only one run, and Zak Crawley, out for five. Captain Joe Root registered a 15-ball duck, compounding the visitors’ woes.

A brief 50-run partnership between Harry Brook and Ben Stokes offered hope, reducing Australia’s first-innings lead to 86, but it was short-lived. Scott Boland wreaked havoc with a triple-strike, dismissing Brook (41), Jamie Smith (2), and Will Jacks (5) in quick succession.

England’s tail offered little resistance. Stokes fell for 16, Michael Neser took four wickets including the top score of 35 for the hosts, and Cameron Green sealed the innings by bowling Gus Atkinson for 28. England were bowled out for 110, leaving Australia in a marginally dominant position.

Standout Performers

• Scott Boland (Australia): Key bowler in England’s collapse, taking 3-11 in a devastating spell.
• Josh Tongue (England): Claimed 5-45 to skittle Australia in the first innings.
• Michael Neser (Australia): Crucial contributions with both bat and ball.
• Cameron Green (Australia): Claimed key tail wickets, keeping Australia ahead.

Historical Context

The 20 wickets to fall on Day 1 represent the highest number of wickets in a single day at the MCG since the 1902 Ashes, when 25 wickets fell. The frenetic pace and frequent collapses provided spectators with one of the most thrilling days in Ashes history.

England’s Form and Off-Field Issues

England entered the Test series having already lost the series after three consecutive defeats. Recent off-field distractions, including reports of a “stag party” trip to Noosa, added further scrutiny on the team. Despite a strong start in the field, England’s batting frailty proved costly against disciplined Australian bowling.

Looking Ahead

Australia now carry a slight lead into the second day of the fourth Ashes Test. If the hosts can consolidate with their bat and leverage momentum from Boland and Neser’s performances, they could put England under significant pressure early in the series-deciding match.

Fans can expect another high-intensity day of cricket at the MCG, with records already broken and history in the making as the Boxing Day Ashes continues.