Overview
- Ben Stokes opted to field and Josh Tongue seized the initiative with 5-45 as Australia were dismissed for 152, Michael Neser top-scoring with 35.
- Australia roared back to skittle England for 110 in 29.5 overs after reducing the tourists to 16-4 inside eight overs.
- Michael Neser led Australia’s attack with 4-45 and Scott Boland added 3-30, while Harry Brook’s counter-attacking 41 was England’s lone resistance of note.
- A crowd of 94,199 set a new MCG mark for a day of cricket as pronounced seam movement made batting hazardous throughout.
- Australia picked an all-pace attack with Jhye Richardson recalled, while England replaced the injured Jofra Archer with Gus Atkinson and promoted debutant Jacob Bethell at No. 3.