Josh Tongue Becomes 1st English Bowler Since 1998 to Take 5 Wickets in Boxing Day Test
Darren Gough and Dean Headley were the two bowlers who last took a 5-wicket haul at the Boxing Day Test in MCG, way back in 1998
Udaipur, Dec 26, 2025: England pacer Josh Tongue created history by becoming the first English bowler in the 21st century to take a five-wicket haul in a Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). His strong spell on the opening day of the fourth Test played a key role in restricting Australia to batting for just two sessions on Friday.
The last time an England bowler took a five-wicket haul at the MCG was in 1998. On that occasion, Darren Gough and Dean Headley achieved the feat.
England, led by Ben Stokes, have already lost the series 3-0 and now have an 18-Test winless run in Australia since the 2010–11 season. Despite this, England’s bowling looked sharp and the team came out with strong intent. They bowled Australia out for just 152 with an excellent effort. However, England’s batters failed again and were all out for 110.
Australia also created an unwanted record, as this became the third time they were bowled out in under 50 overs in a home Ashes Test. Earlier, Australia were dismissed for 98 at the MCG in 2010 and for 132 in Perth during the ongoing series.
Josh Tongue Leads England’s Bowling Attack
This spell was Josh Tongue’s best in Test cricket, better than his earlier best of 5/66 against Ireland at Lord’s in 2023. At the end of Australia’s first innings, Tongue was on a hat-trick after dismissing Scott Boland for a duck and Michael Neser for 35 on the last two balls.
Australia had a poor start after choosing to bat against a strong England bowling attack. Tongue removed three of the top four Australian batters as the hosts lost four wickets in the morning session.
Usman Khawaja was dismissed early after lunch following a successful review. Alex Carey could not rescue his team this time and fell to a leg-slip catch. Just when batting looked easier, Cameron Green was run out. Michael Neser played a useful knock of 35 with seven fours, but Tongue returned to end the innings and claim his third Test five-wicket haul.
A huge crowd turned up at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, with 93,442 fans already present, and the number is expected to rise further.
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