England has delivered its best opening session of the 2025-26 Ashes Series, reducing Australia to 6-91 after lunch on day one of the Boxing Day Test in Melbourne.
After winning the toss on a cold and overcast morning, England captain Ben Stokes had no hesitation sending the Australians in—a decision vindicated after a fine opening spell from Gus Atkinson and a triple wicket performance from Josh Tongue.
Tongue proved especially challenging for the Australians to handle with excellent line and length removing Jake Weatherald, Marnus Labuschagne and captain Steven Smith.
The Smith wicket in particular was a peach of a delivery that nipped back to bowl the Aussie captain through the gate.
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While England has had plenty of opportunities throughout this Ashes series, inconsistency has been the side’s Achilles heel all summer and Ben Stokes’ men will be desperate to finally seize their moment during the critical middle session.
“England right now have a chance to put their foot on Australia’s throat,” Justin Langer said in commentary for Channel 7.
“They haven’t been able to do it so far in this series, so the next hour is absolutely crucial.”