On the opening day of the fourth Ashes Test at Melbourne, England’s Josh Tongue produced a fiery spell, decimating the opposition’s batting order and helping dismiss them for just 152 runs. While England’s bowling attack impressed as a whole, Tongue emerged as the standout performer.

Josh Tongue’s outstanding spell saw him become the first English bowler in 27 years to register a five-wicket haul at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. Darren Gough was the last to do so in 1998. Tongue’s performance underscores how challenging it has been for visiting bowlers to achieve such figures at the MCG, yet he made it appear effortless.

After Gus Atkinson provided England with an early breakthrough by dismissing Travis Head, Josh Tongue stepped up with a brilliant opening spell. He first sent Jake Weatherald back for 10, then removed Marnus Labuschagne (6) and Steve Smith (9), leaving Australia reeling at 51/4. Tongue kept up the pressure by taking Michael Neser’s wicket for 35 before finishing the innings by clean bowling Scott Boland for a golden duck.

Although England bowled Australia out for a modest total, their batting struggled in response. The top order was dismantled by Mitchell Starc and Michael Neser, who claimed two wickets each, leaving England at 16/4 within the first eight overs. Harry Brook made a useful 41, but the rest of the lineup failed to contribute.

Australia’s bowlers put on an excellent show, with Michael Neser taking 4/45 and Scott Boland claiming 3/30. They restricted the visitors to just 110, building a 42-run lead despite having been dismissed for a modest total earlier. Australia finished the day at 4/0, carrying a 46-run advantage into day two.