NEW DELHI: Australia were bowled out for just 152 but still managed to secure a 42-run lead over England in a remarkable opening day of the fourth Ashes Test on Friday, a day that saw a staggering 20 wickets tumble.

The match unfolded in front of a record-breaking crowd at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, with 94,199 spectators - the highest ever attendance for a single day of cricket - surpassing the 93,013 who watched the 2015 World Cup final between Australia and New Zealand at the same venue.

At stumps, Australia were 4-0 in their second innings, holding an overall lead of 46 runs after surviving one tense over before the close of play.

Ashes 4th Test Day 1 sees 20 wickets fall in historic collapse for the first time in almost 125 years

England's Josh Tongue starred with a career-best 5-45, dismantling the Australian top order after England, having won the toss, elected to bowl first. In response, England managed 110 in 29.5 overs, with Michael Neser turning the tables slightly by claiming 4-45.

Tongue, playing only his eighth Test, struck early and decisively, removing three key wickets as Australia slumped to 72-4 at lunch, setting the tone for one of the most extraordinary opening days in recent Ashes history.

Travis Head (12) and Jake Weatherald (10) fell cheaply as Australia reached 31-2 in the 10th over. Capitalising on a pitch offering sideways movement, Tongue deceived Marnus Labuschagne (6) who edged to first slip at 34-3. In a key breakthrough, captain Steve Smith lost his middle stump while attempting to drive Tongue with the total on 51.

Australia aimed to rebuild through veteran Usman Khawaja, but the 39-year-old was caught behind to Gus Atkinson's bowling for 29 at 89-5. Alex Carey clipped a catch to leg gully two runs later.

Neser (35) and Cameron Green (17) shared a 52-run partnership before Green hesitated and was run out at 143-7.

Tongue was cheered off the field at tea after dismissing Neser and Scott Boland (0) with the first two deliveries of his 12th over, giving England's spirits a boost after losing each of the first three tests.

England was 8-3 in 4.2 overs as Zak Crawley (5), Jacob Bethell (2) and Ben Duckett (2) all departed in an action-packed opening to the innings.

When Joe Root was caught behind for a duck off the bowling of Neser at 16-4 at the end of the eighth over, Harry Brook charged the next delivery from Mitchell Starc and clubbed it over mid-off for six.

Brook bravely belted 41 off 34 balls including two fours and two sixes, adding 50 for the fifth wicket with Stokes.

Boland (3-30) dismissed Brook, Jamie Smith (2) and Will Jacks (5) in three consecutive overs as England slumped to 77-7.

Neser struck a key blow in the following over when skipper Ben Stokes (16) was caught at slip.

England's innings closed with just enough time for Australia to face the one over before stumps.

"It's not easy because the ball is nipping around," Neser said. "We saw when we batted, it was tough."

England named its team on Wednesday with the big news the loss of star bowler Jofra Archer for the rest of the series, including the fifth and final test starting Jan. 4 in Sydney.

(With AP Inputs)