Cricholic
Boxing Day Test action exploded into life on Day 1 at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. From the very start, bowlers dominated proceedings. As a result, 20 wickets fell in a single day, creating chaos and constant momentum shifts. Moreover, batting conditions remained challenging throughout the day.
England won the toss and, unsurprisingly, chose to bowl first. Immediately, the decision proved effective. The pitch offered seam movement and extra bounce. Consequently, Australia struggled to build any stability.
🇦🇺⚡ Boxing Day Test: Australia 1st Innings Struggle
The Boxing Day Test began with early breakthroughs for England. Initially, Australia attempted to settle. However, wickets kept falling at regular intervals. As a result, the hosts were bowled out for 152 in 45.2 overs.
Travis Head and Jake Weatherald departed cheaply. Soon after, Marnus Labuschagne and Steve Smith also failed to convert their starts. Meanwhile, Usman Khawaja showed patience and scored 29, yet support remained limited.
Despite the collapse, Michael Neser provided late resistance. Importantly, his 35 off 49 balls included seven boundaries. Therefore, Australia managed to cross the 150 mark.
England’s bowling remained disciplined. Josh Tongue, in particular, was outstanding. He consistently hit the right areas and finished with a brilliant five-wicket haul. Meanwhile, Gus Atkinson maintained pressure from the other end.
💥 Boxing Day Test: England 1st Innings Collapse
In response, the Boxing Day Test momentum shifted once again. This time, Australia struck back hard with the ball. Consequently, England collapsed for 110 in 29.5 overs.
Firstly, the top order failed to survive the new ball. Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett fell early. Then, Jacob Bethell and Joe Root followed soon after. As a result, England were pushed deep into trouble.
However, Harry Brook fought back aggressively. He smashed 41 off 34 balls, including two sixes. Still, the support around him remained minimal. Although Ben Stokes added 16 and Gus Atkinson contributed 28, the innings never recovered.
Australia’s bowling attack looked relentless. Michael Neser capped off an excellent all-round performance with four wickets. In addition, Scott Boland claimed three. Mitchell Starc, meanwhile, struck twice to finish the job.
📊🏏 Boxing Day Test – Day 1 Complete Scorecard
🔄📌 Toss
England won the toss and opted to bowl first
🏏📉 Australia 1st Innings
152 all out (45.2 overs)
Travis Head 12, Jake Weatherald 10, Marnus Labuschagne 6, Steve Smith 9,
Usman Khawaja 29, Alex Carey 20, Cameron Green 17,
Michael Neser 35, Mitchell Starc 1, Jhye Richardson 0*, Scott Boland 0
🎯 Bowling – England:
Josh Tongue 5/45, Gus Atkinson 2/28, Brydon Carse 1/42, Ben Stokes 1/25
📉 England 1st Innings
110 all out (29.5 overs)
Zak Crawley 5, Ben Duckett 2, Jacob Bethell 1, Joe Root 0,
Harry Brook 41, Ben Stokes 16, Jamie Smith 2, Will Jacks 5,
Gus Atkinson 28, Brydon Carse 4, Josh Tongue 1*
🎯 Bowling – Australia:
Michael Neser 4/45, Scott Boland 3/30, Mitchell Starc 2/23, Cameron Green 1/0
🇦🇺🧱 Australia 2nd Innings
4/0 (1 over)
Scott Boland 4*, Travis Head 0*
🎯 Bowling – England:
Gus Atkinson 1–0–4–0
🌙📈 Boxing Day Test: Australia Finish Day 1 in Front
Finally, Australia negotiated the closing moments safely. They reached 4/0 in their second innings. Therefore, the hosts carried a 46-run lead into stumps. Scott Boland struck a boundary late, while Travis Head remained unbeaten.
🧠📌 Boxing Day Test Day 1 Verdict
Ultimately, Day 1 of the Boxing Day Test belonged to the bowlers. Moreover, the pitch continues to assist seam movement. Therefore, batting application will be crucial going forward. Australia hold a narrow edge; however, the match remains wide open heading into Day 2.
