AUS vs ENG: 20 wickets fell on the first day of Boxing Day Test, such a feat happened in MCG after 94 years

Australia vs England, 4th Test: The fourth Test of the Ashes series between Australia and England is being played at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), where the dominance of the bowlers was clearly visible on the first day. A total of 20 wickets fell in the day’s play and both the teams together scored only 266 runs. However, this thrilling day ended in favor of Australia. On the basis of strong bowling, the host team gained a lead of 46 runs over England, due to which its position in the match seems strong at the moment.

This performance also made this match special in the MCG Test cricket record for the first day. The 20 wickets fallen in the 2025/26 series have become the highest number of first day matches ever. Earlier in 1901/02, 25 wickets had fallen on the first day between Australia and England, while in 1931/32, 20 wickets had fallen on the first day between Australia and South Africa. There is a record of 20-20 wickets falling on the first day in the matches of 1894/95 and 2025/26.

Most wickets fallen in a one day test match at MCG

• 25 – Australia v England, 1901/02 (Day 1)
• 20 – Australia v South Africa, 1931/32 (Day 1)
• 20 – Australia v England, 1894/95 (Day 1)
• 20 – Australia vs England, 2025/26 (Day 1)
• 18 – Australia v England, 1998/99 (day 4)
• 18 – Australia v England, 1903/04 (day 3)

The MCG and other major grounds have always proved to be historic in terms of wickets falling on the first day of Test cricket in Australia. Records so far show that in 1901/02, 25 wickets fell on the first day between Australia and England in Melbourne, while in 1951/52, 22 wickets fell between Australia and West Indies in Adelaide. Apart from this, there is a record of 20-20 wickets falling on the first day in the Melbourne matches between Australia and South Africa in 1931/32, Australia and England in 1894/95 and 2025/26.

Most wickets fell on the first day of test in Australia

• 25 – Australia v England, Melbourne, 1901/02
• 22 – Australia v West Indies, Adelaide, 1951/52
• 20 – Australia v South Africa, Melbourne, 1931/32
• 20 – Australia v England, Melbourne, 1894/95
• 20 – Australia vs England, Melbourne, 2025/26
• 19 – Australia v West Indies, Sydney, 1951/52
• 19 – Australia vs England, Perth, 2025/26

At the same time, 19-19 wickets fell in Sydney in 1951/52 and in Perth in 2025/26. It is clear from this figure that the Australian grounds have been challenging for the batsmen on the first day. The fourth Ashes Test of 2025/26 also went down in history with 20 wickets falling on the first day, which is equal to the old record and makes it an exciting match.

Also read: Boxing Day Test: Deadly bowling by Josh Tong, Australia’s first innings was reduced to 152 runs.

condition of the first day

England won the toss and invited Australia to bat first. Batting first, the Australian team collapsed for 152 runs. In reply, the England team could score only 110 runs in the first innings. On the basis of first innings, Australia has got a lead of 42 runs. By the end of the day’s play, Australia had scored 4 runs without losing any wicket.