Sat Dec 27 02:40:00 UTC 2025: Summary:
The Boxing Day Test at the MCG witnessed a historic collapse with 20 wickets falling on the first day, a rare occurrence in Australian Test history. Both batting lineups struggled immensely, with meager scores and records tumbling for low aggregates and rapid dismissals. Harry Brook achieved the fastest 3000 Test runs, while Josh Tongue became the first England bowler since 1998 to take a five-wicket haul at the MCG. Several unusual batting occurrences also transpired, including a number 11 batsman facing the first ball of an innings. Steven Smith surpassed Rahul Dravid in Test catches.
News Article:
Boxing Day Test at MCG Plunges into Chaos: 20 Wickets Fall on Day One in Historic Collapse
Melbourne, Australia – The iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) witnessed a day of unprecedented carnage on Thursday as the Boxing Day Test between Australia and England descended into chaos. A staggering 20 wickets tumbled on the opening day, marking a historic collapse reminiscent of the 1951 Adelaide Test against West Indies. It’s the first time this has occurred at the MCG since 1932 and in an Ashes match since 1909.
Batting proved nightmarish for both sides, with the top four batsmen from Australia and England managing a paltry 45 runs combined – the second-lowest aggregate ever in a men’s Test match. The two teams faced only 451 balls in their first innings combined.
England’s batting woes were particularly acute, their top four contributing a mere 8 runs, their second-lowest total in a Test innings since 1905. The highest score of the first two innings was just 41, made by England’s Harry Brook.
Despite the overall batting struggles, Harry Brook provided a glimmer of brilliance, reaching 3000 Test runs in a record-breaking 3468 balls, surpassing Adam Gilchrist’s previous record.
In a rare feat, England’s Josh Tongue claimed a five-wicket haul, becoming the first English bowler to achieve this at the MCG since Dean Headley in 1998.
The day also featured unusual batting anomalies, with Scott Boland, batting at number 11, facing the first ball of England’s second innings. Boland joined a select group as only the 19th player to open the batting and bat at No. 11 in a Test match.
In the field, Steven Smith continued his brilliance, bagging two catches to overtake Rahul Dravid for the second-most catches for a fielder in Tests with 212, only behind Joe Root.
The Boxing Day Test is now precariously poised, with both teams looking to rebuild after a day of historic batting collapses.
First Piper 