England skittled for 110 as 20 wickets tumble on opening day of Melbourne Test
Harry Brook was the lone bright spot for England, scoring 41 from 34 balls
Hyderabad: Bowlers dominated the opening day of the fourth Ashes Test in Melbourne, where 20 wickets fell and neither side managed a half-century. After dismissing Australia for 152 in their first innings, England collapsed to 110 all out in just 29.5 overs, conceding a 42-run lead.
Harry Brook was the lone bright spot for England, scoring 41 from 34 balls with 2 fours and 2 sixes. Gus Atkinson chipped in with 28, but the rest of the batting crumbled. Joe Root fell without scoring, captain Ben Stokes managed 16, while Jamie Smith and the lower order departed in quick succession.
Australia’s bowlers seized control, with Michael Neser leading the attack with 4 wickets. Scott Boland took 3, Mitchell Starc 2 and Cameron Green 1 as England’s innings unraveled.
In reply, Australia reached 4 for 0 in their second innings by stumps on day one. Travis Head (0*) and nightwatchman Scott Boland (4*) were at the crease, stretching the hosts’ overall lead to 46 runs. On a bowler-friendly pitch and with no batsman yet crossing fifty, the contest is finely poised heading into day two.
