England pacer Josh Tongue delivered a historic performance at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) on Friday. He became the first England bowler in the 21st century to take a five-wicket haul in a Boxing Day Test at the MCG. His brilliant spell helped England bowl Australia out inside two sessions on the opening day of the fourth Ashes Test.
Tongue’s performance put him on an elite list, as no England bowler had achieved this feat since Darren Gough and Dean Headley did it in 1998. At a venue where England have struggled over the years, Tongue turned the tables. After Gus Atkinson removed Travis Head, Tongue ripped through Australia’s top order in the first session. He picked up early wickets of Jake Weatherald (10), Steve Smith (9), and Marnus Labuschagne (6), leaving Australia reeling at 51 for 4.
England continued to apply pressure as captain Ben Stokes and Atkinson chipped in with more wickets. Tongue then dismissed Michael Neser (35) and Scott Boland for a duck to complete his five-wicket haul. He conceded just 45 runs in 11.2 overs at an economy rate of 3.97. His efforts helped England bowl Australia out for 152 runs in 45.2 overs. This was only the third time Australia have been bowled out inside 50 overs in a home Ashes Test since 2000.
After England’s bowlers impressed, the Australian bowlers responded strongly, bowling England out for 110 runs in 29.5 overs. Neser led the attack with four wickets, Boland picked up three, while Mitchell Starc claimed two wickets, giving Australia a 42-run lead after the first innings.
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