Ali Martin's report
Thanks for following along on a frenetic day one of the Boxing Day Test. Ali Martin was at the MCG and somehow stayed across all the action for this report on the day.
We’ll be back with the OBO again tomorrow – but it remains to be seen whether the fourth Ashes Test can last into a third day.
Updated
Australia will take a 46-run lead into day two of the Boxing Day Test even after being sent in to bat first and being all out before tea for 152. Josh Tongue claimed five for 45 while Michael Neser top scored with 35 on a green top that ensured batting was difficult. As has so often been the case throughout this series, England were unable to make the most of getting ahead in the game. The tourists were dismissed for 110 inside 30 overs and in less than a session with Harry Brook’s counterpunching 41 the standout as Australia shared the wickets around. Neser finished with four and Scott Boland three, while Mitchell Starc took two early wickets.
Boland then survived a single tense over in Australia’s second innings as the hosts finished the day on 4-0 at the MCG.
