### Australia and England Clash in Historic Ashes Test: A Day of Bowling Dominance The fourth Ashes Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) has become a historic event, marked by an unprecedented 20 wickets falling on the opening day. Australia, despite being bowled out for a mere 152 runs, managed to take a 46-run lead over England, who crumbled to 110 in their first innings. This chaotic day of cricket not only showcased the prowess of bowlers from both teams but also set the stage for a gripping contest, as Australia entered Day 2 with a precarious position at 98-6 in their second innings, leading by 140 runs overall. England, having lost all three previous Tests, is eager to capitalize on this opportunity to snap their winless streak in Australia [https://apnews.com/article/australia-england-cricket-ashes-e0c3c4646c9e1b94bbf641413c385cec][https://www.channelnewsasia.com/sport/australia-98-6-lunch-lead-140-runs-in-fourth-ashes-test-5724361]. ### Structure of the Ashes Test Overview 1. **Day 1 Summary**: - Australia was bowled out for 152 runs, with Josh Tongue taking 5 wickets for 45 runs. - England's response was dismal, collapsing to 110 runs, with Michael Neser claiming 4 wickets for 45 runs. - A total of 20 wickets fell, marking a record for a single day in Ashes history [https://jamaica-gleaner.com/article/sports/20251227/20-wickets-fall-record-breaking-day-1-fourth-ashes-test][https://www.nation.com.pk/27-Dec-2025/20-wickets-fall-dramatic-opening-day-boxing-day-ashes-test]. 2. **Day 2 Developments**: - At lunch on Day 2, Australia was 98-6, with Steve Smith and Cameron Green at the crease. - England's bowlers continued to apply pressure, taking six wickets for 94 runs in the session [https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/sports/ashes-4th-test-aussies-lose-six-wickets-england-smell-opportunity-of-snapping-winless-streak-in-australia-day-2-lunch]. 3. **Historical Context**: - This match is notable for being the first time in 123 years that 20 wickets fell in a single day of Test cricket, a feat last achieved in 1902 [https://www.timesnownews.com/sports/cricket/australia-england-create-history-achieve-rare-feat-after-123-years-become-first-teams-in-world-since-1932-to-lose-20-wickets-in-a-day-at-mcg-article-153353269][https://www.devdiscourse.com/article/sports-games/3742001-20-wickets-fall-on-a-record-breaking-day-1-of-the-fourth-ashes-test]. ### Key Statistics and Highlights - **Day 1 Performance**: - Australia: 152 all out in 45.2 overs. - England: 110 all out in 29.5 overs. - Total wickets: 20, a record for a single day in Ashes history. - Josh Tongue's five-wicket haul was pivotal for England [https://www.channelnewsasia.com/sport/australia-bowled-out-152-in-fourth-ashes-test-5709321][https://www.insidesport.in/cricket/ashes-4th-test-20-wickets-fall-on-day-1-as-hapless-england-collapse-after-tongues-five-wicket-haul]. - **Day 2 Status**: - Australia: 98-6 at lunch, leading by 140 runs. - Key players: Steve Smith (16*) and Cameron Green (6*). - England's Gus Atkinson left the field due to hamstring soreness [https://www.mid-day.com/sports/cricket/article/20-kos-on-boxing-day-23609471][https://www.channelnewsasia.com/sport/australia-98-6-lunch-lead-140-runs-in-fourth-ashes-test-5724361]. ### Conclusion: A Test of Resilience and Skill The fourth Ashes Test has unfolded dramatically, with **20 wickets falling on Day 1**, setting a historic precedent. As Australia leads by 140 runs with only four wickets remaining in their second innings, the match remains finely poised. England, eager to end their winless streak in Australia, must capitalize on their bowling strength to turn the tide. The unfolding drama at the MCG promises an exciting continuation of this storied rivalry. 1. **Historic Day 1**: 20 wickets fell, a record for Ashes matches. 2. **Day 2 Outlook**: Australia at 98-6, leading by 140 runs. 3. **Key Players**: Josh Tongue and Michael Neser shone with the ball. 4. **Next Steps**: England must seize the moment to break their winless streak [https://www.channelnewsasia.com/sport/australia-98-6-lunch-lead-140-runs-in-fourth-ashes-test-5724361][https://www.devdiscourse.com/article/sports-games/3742001-20-wickets-fall-on-a-record-breaking-day-1-of-the-fourth-ashes-test].