The opening day produced a staggering 20 wickets, the most to fall on day one of an Ashes Test since 1909. That tally eclipsed even the 19 wickets that fell on the first day of the series opener in Perth, underlining the extraordinary nature of the contest. The chaotic proceedings validated pre-match warnings from stand-in Australian captain Steve Smith, who had noted that the 10mm grass covering the pitch would demand absolute precision from batters.
Australia themselves were not immune to the conditions. Sent in to bat, the hosts were dismissed for 152, with England briefly finding encouragement through a sharp bowling and fielding display. Josh Tongue led the attack impressively, claiming 5 for 45 and keeping Australia within reach. Yet any momentum England generated with the ball was swiftly undone after tea.
England’s reply unravelled at alarming speed. Reduced to 8 for 3 and then 16 for 4, the visitors appeared on the brink of a complete collapse. Harry Brook’s first-ball dismissal attempt, an ambitious dance and swipe at Mitchell Starc, epitomised the desperation of the moment. Ironically, it was Brook’s fearless approach that provided England with fleeting resistance, as he struck a defiant 41 featuring two sixes. Only captain Ben Stokes and Gus Atkinson joined him in reaching double figures.
Australia’s bowlers ruthlessly exploited the conditions. Michael Neser took four wickets, Scott Boland claimed three, and England’s innings lasted just 29.5 overs. The absurdity of the day was perhaps best captured when Boland, after his bowling spell, was sent in as a nightwatchman to open Australia’s second innings.
There was still time for Australia to face a single over before stumps, marking only the third occasion in Test history that a third innings has begun on the opening day. The hosts closed at 4 for 0 in their second innings, leading by 46 runs and firmly in control. With the Ashes already beyond England’s reach and memories of the two-day Test in Perth still fresh, the prospect of another ultra-short match looms large.
As Melbourne edges towards potentially becoming the second two-day Ashes Test in just over a month, England face searching questions about their resilience under pressure. For Australia, the day reinforced their dominance and adaptability, while the series continues to underline the unforgiving nature of this Ashes contest.
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