NEW DELHI: A dream moment came true for Michael Neser on Day 1 of the Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. The stadium was electric with 94,199 fans, the highest ever crowd at the venue.
Every delivery was cheered as Australia and England battled hard in an intense contest. The first day saw 20 wickets fall, making it a remarkable start to the Ashes series.
Neser said playing at the MCG on Boxing Day had been a lifelong dream and an unforgettable experience.
“It’s unreal. I dreamt of this as a kid. Every Boxing Day my brother and I would play backyard cricket for hours, then come back in and watch cricket. The whole day is cricket for us, and to be part of it, it’s a dream come true. It gives me goosebumps just thinking about it.”
He also spoke about the importance of patience and trusting the conditions while bowling.
“The ball definitely nipped around a bit there with the new rock. It was just about finding ways to put pressure on their batters and letting the wicket do the work,” Neser added.
England struggled from the start, being bowled out for 110 in just under 30 overs. Neser’s disciplined bowling helped swing the game in Australia’s favour, and he picked up four key wickets alongside Starc and Boland.
Australia ended day one at 4/0 in their second innings, leading by 46 runs. Neser’s performance stood out in a high-pressure, electrifying day at the MCG.
