England's Ashes tour teetered on another crisis as they were bowled out for 110 by Australia on an almost farcical first day of the fourth Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. The 20 wickets to fall is the most on the opening day of an Ashes Test since 1909 and surpassed the 19 of the first day of the first Test of this series in Perth. Steve Smith, standing in as Australia captain, said the 10mm long grass on the pitch would mean batters had to be "on their game" in the Boxing Day Test. Perth was the first two-day Ashes Test in 104 years. But England were bowling again before the end of the day as their batting was flattened in 29.5 overs.

Source: BBC December 26, 2025 19:29 UTC