Former England stars took aim at the MCG surface after a bowler-driven opening day of the Boxing Day Ashes Test. Friday witnessed a dramatic collapse from both sides, with 20 wickets tumbling inside 76.1 overs.

Australia were dismissed for 152 after being sent in, despite Josh Tongue’s five-wicket burst. England’s response was even shorter-lived as they were rolled over for 110, leaving the hosts 42 runs ahead, a margin that stretched to 46 at the close of play.

Former England pacer Stuart Broad believes seamers can thrive even on flatter decks. Speaking after a day dominated by the ball, Broad explained that top-quality Test pitches reward skill with pace and carry, not excessive or uneven movement.

“To be completely honest, the pitch is offering far too much. Test bowlers don’t need this level of movement to be effective. The best Test wickets have good bounce, not excessive sideways movement,” Broad said on SEN Radio.

Cook observed that the wicket placed batters at a clear disadvantage, with bowlers picking up wickets without needing to dig deep. While he wished for a more even contest as the game wore on, he conceded the signs were not encouraging.

“The bowlers were barely made to work for their wickets it felt like an unfair contest. I’m not sure how you’re meant to bat on that. If it flattens out tomorrow, then fine, it becomes a fair game over the next few days, but right now it doesn’t look balanced,” Cook said.

Michael Neser shone in his maiden red-ball Test, finishing with 4/45 from 10 overs. Scott Boland (3 wickets) and Mitchell Starc (2 wickets) supported the effort. After a day dominated by bowlers, Australia enters Day 2 slightly ahead in a low-scoring contest.