The Boxing Day Ashes Test once again highlighted the ever-lasting appeal of Test cricket, as a crowd of 93,442 spectators filled the Melbourne Cricket Ground to watch the match in person.
The massive turnout demonstrated that Test cricket continues to attract strong interest despite the rise of modern formats.
On the opening day of the match, England delivered an impressive performance by bowling Australia out for just 152 runs.
England captain Ben Stokes won the toss and chose to field first, a decision that proved effective in overcast conditions. England’s fast bowlers exploited the conditions well and consistently troubled the Australian batting lineup.
Australian openers Travis Head and Jack Weatherald were dismissed early. Marnus Labuschagne and captain Steve Smith also failed to play big innings.
Josh Tongue led England’s attack with five wickets, while Gus Atkinson provided good support. Michael Neser was Australia’s top scorer with 35 runs.
Australia have already retained the Ashes earlier in the series. However, England’s strong performance in Melbourne helped rebuild confidence, especially after the team faced criticism during the series over alleged unprofessional behavior.
The Melbourne Cricket Ground has a long history of record-breaking attendances, having hosted major events such as World Cup finals, the Olympic Games, and Australian Football League matches.
Despite this legacy, the Boxing Day Ashes Test continues to hold a unique and special place for cricket fans.
