NEW DELHI: England fast bowler Josh Tongue etched his name into the record books with a memorable performance at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, becoming the first England bowler in the 21st century to claim a five-wicket haul in a Boxing Day Test. His incisive spell proved decisive as Australia were bowled out within just two sessions on the opening day of the fourth Ashes Test on Friday.

With the Ashes already out of reach and England still searching for a series victory in Australia since the 2010/11 series, Tongue delivered the pace, hostility and intensity England supporters had long craved. Charging in with relentless energy, he unsettled the Australian batters and led England's charge on a surface traditionally dominated by the hosts.

Wearing the Three Lions crest with pride, Tongue's spell symbolised England's resolve to fight back on Australian soil, where they have endured a prolonged barren run, having gone winless in their last 18 Tests. His achievement also ended a long wait for an England five-for at the MCG, with the previous instances dating back to 1998, when Darren Gough and Dean Headley last accomplished the feat.

England seized control early on the opening day as Tongue tore through Australia's top order in a devastating first session at the MCG. After Gus Atkinson provided the initial breakthrough by dismissing Travis Head for 12, Tongue struck with a rapid burst of wickets that left the hosts reeling.

The right-arm quick removed Jake Weatherald for 10 before accounting for Australia's two biggest batting pillars, Steve Smith and Marnus Labuschagne, in quick time. The collapse saw Australia slump to 51/4, and despite some resistance, they limped to 72/4 by the lunch break.

Smith proved to be Tongue's standout victim yet again. The England pacer dismissed him for the third time in as many encounters, further underlining his dominance over the former captain, who has managed just 35 runs from 69 balls against Tongue at an average of 11.66.

England maintained their grip after lunch as Ben Stokes and Gus Atkinson continued the assault, pushing Australia further into trouble at 91/6 in the second session. A brief counterattack followed, with Cameron Green and Michael Neser adding some momentum through a 52-run partnership that threatened to revive the innings. Green struck 17 off 34 balls, while Neser played a more fluent hand with 35 from 49 deliveries, peppering the boundary seven times.

Just as Australia appeared to be rebuilding, Brydon Carse produced a moment of brilliance in the field, nailing a direct hit to halt the fightback and swing the momentum back England's way. From there, the end came swiftly.

Tongue then returned to do what he does best-clean up the lower order with ruthless efficiency. He dismissed Neser before removing Scott Boland to seal the innings, as Australia were skittled for 152 in 45.2 overs.

It marked a rare collapse for the hosts, only the third occasion since 2000 that Australia have been bowled out inside 50 overs in a home Ashes Test. The previous instances came at the same ground in 2010, when they were dismissed for 98 in 42.5 overs, and earlier in the current series in Perth, where they were bowled out for 132 in 45.2 overs.