The opening day of the fourth Ashes Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground delivered a slice of history, with a dramatic collapse from Australia still resulting in a first-innings lead over England on a frenetic Friday that saw 20 wickets fall.

Despite being bowled out for just 152, Australia ended the day with a 42-run first-innings advantage after England were skittled for 110 in reply. The 20 wickets to fall on Day 1 marked a 123-year first in Ashes Tests played in Australia, the first such instance since 1902. It also set a new record for a Boxing Day Test, surpassing the previous mark of 18 wickets from the 1998 Ashes encounter. The all-time record remains 27 wickets in a day, set during the 1888 Ashes Test at Lord’s.

Kevin Pietersen questioned the nature of the Melbourne pitch following the dramatic opening day, drawing comparisons with similar situations involving India. “India ALWAYS gets hammered when wickets fall like crazy on day one of a Test, and so I hope Australia gets the same scrutiny. Fair is fair,” Pietersen posted on X.

The action unfolded in front of a world-record crowd for a single day of cricket at the MCG, with 94,199 spectators in attendance, eclipsing the previous record of 93,013 set during the 2015 World Cup final between Australia and New Zealand.

After winning the toss and opting to bowl, England enjoyed early success as Josh Tongue produced a career-best spell of 5 for 45 to dismantle Australia. Tongue struck three times before lunch as Australia slipped to 72 for 4, exploiting a pitch that offered sharp lateral movement.

England were bowled out for 110, allowing Australia to stretch their lead before the hosts negotiated a nervy over late in the day to reach 4 without loss at stumps, taking an overall lead of 46 runs.

Australia, having already secured the Ashes by winning the first three Tests, ended a breathtaking opening day in control despite the chaos.

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