A dramatic opening day of the fourth Ashes Test between Australia and England saw 20 wickets fall at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, raising doubts over whether the match will last the full five days, according to match officials and scorecard details.
England captain Ben Stokes won the toss and chose to bat first. However, Australia were bowled out for 152 runs in their first innings. In reply, England struggled against the bowling attack and were dismissed for just 110 runs, handing Australia a 42-run lead.
By the close of play on the first day, Australia had reached 4 without loss in their second innings, extending their overall lead over England to 46 runs.
Officials said play on the second day will begin at 4:30am Pakistan Standard Time on Saturday.
Australia already hold a decisive 3-0 lead in the five-match Ashes series against England. The hosts won the first Test by eight wickets, followed by another eight-wicket victory in Brisbane. Australia then secured the series with an 82-run win in the third Test in Adelaide.
According to the schedule, the fifth and final Test of the men’s Ashes series will be played from January 4 to 8, 2026, at the Sydney Cricket Ground.
