Australia tightened their grip on the contest after being bowled out for 152, continuing their strong bowling effort with another key breakthrough in England’s shaky reply.
Earlier, Mitchell Starc struck twice, removing Ben Duckett and Zak Crawley, while Michael Neser dismissed Jacob Bethell, leaving England under early pressure. The visitors were already reeling when Australia claimed the prized wicket of Joe Root.
Neser to Root, OUT: There was an edge and a loud appeal as Neser hit the right channel once again. Umpire Kumar Dharmasena checked for a fair catch, but the Australians were confident—and rightly so. The ball carried low into Alex Carey’s gloves, sending Root back for a 15-ball duck.
It was a superb spell from Neser, who was preferred over Doggett for this Test and justified the call immediately. Bowling a disciplined good length just outside off, Neser drew Root forward. Root played for movement, but the ball held its line, took the edge, and completed a textbook dismissal.
England slipped to 16/4 inside eight overs, trailing by 136 runs, as Australia’s pacers made full use of the conditions at the MCG to seize early control on Day 1.
