Australia were bundled out for just 152 in 45.2 overs in their first innings of the ongoing Ashes Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, marking another rare low total for the hosts in a home Ashes encounter. It is the third time since 2000 that Australia have been dismissed inside 50 overs in a home Ashes Test, after being bowled out for 98 at the MCG in 2010 and 132 earlier in the ongoing series in Perth.
England’s fast bowlers made full use of the green, seamer-friendly conditions, with Josh Tongue leading the charge. Tongue picked up five wickets, becoming the first England bowler in the 21st century to claim a Test five-for at the MCG, a feat last achieved by Darren Gough and Dean Headley back in 1998.
Australia never recovered after losing early wickets in the morning session, with Tongue removing three of the top four batters. Usman Khawaja fell shortly after lunch following a successful England review, while Alex Carey was dismissed in the leg-slip trap. A run-out halted Cameron Green’s progress, and although Michael Neser top-scored with a fighting 35, England wrapped up the innings before tea.
With conditions still favouring pace, England walked off the field as the clear happier side, having put Australia under immediate pressure after choosing to bowl first.
