The fourth Ashes Test is currently underway at the MCG. England captain Ben Stokes won the toss and chose to bowl first, a decision validated by the English bowlers, who dismissed Australia for just 152 in their first innings. Michael Neser was the highest scorer for Australia with 35 runs, while no other batsman scored more than 30. For England, Josh Tongue took a five-wicket haul, and Gus Atkinson claimed two.
Australia, after losing the toss and batting first, had a poor start, losing Travis Head for 12 at just 27 runs. Head was dismissed by Atkinson. The second wicket fell at 31 when Jake Weatherald (10) was caught by Jamie Smith off Tongue. Wickets fell steadily, and Australia were all out for 152 in the first two sessions of the day.
Michael Neser’s 35 was Australia's top score in the first innings, followed by Usman Khawaja with 29 and Alex Carey with 20. The remaining eight batsmen did not reach 20 runs.
England bowled effectively. Josh Tongue achieved his five-wicket haul, dismissing Weatherald, Labuschagne, Smith, Neser, and Boland. Gus Atkinson took two wickets, with Brydon Carse and Ben Stokes each claiming one.