England’s quicks came roaring out of the blocks on Boxing Day, turning a festive Melbourne morning into a trial by seam for Australia. After winning the toss and bravely choosing to bowl, England’s attack found just enough movement in the air and off the surface to rattle the hosts, leaving Australia on 72 for 4 after 25 overs in the first session of this fourth Ashes Test.
Gus Atkinson set the tone by knocking over Travis Head, who had looked positive early before his stay ended on 12. From there, Josh Tongue took charge of the middle overs, tightening the screws and striking twice — first removing Jake Weatherald for 10, then drawing Marnus Labuschagne into a dismissal that summed up Australia’s uneasy start. Each wicket felt like a statement, England hunting in packs, slips waiting with intent, and the run rate dipping below three as pressure mounted.
At the other end, Steven Smith and Usman Khawaja have taken on the role of rebuilders. The pair are batting with patience and calm, nudging the ball into gaps, leaving outside off and refusing to chase England’s bait. Khawaja’s watchfulness and Smith’s quiet assurance have given Australia a foothold, even as the crowd senses the tension of a classic Boxing Day arm-wrestle.
It’s England’s morning so far — early breakthroughs, discipline with the ball, and the Ashes narrative tilting their way. But with Smith and Khawaja still at the crease, the next hour feels like a turning point in the making.
