Josh Tongue Ends England’s 27-Year MCG Five-Wicket Drought

England fast bowler Josh Tongue scripted history on Friday by becoming the first England bowler this century to take a five-wicket haul in a men’s Test match at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. His spell of 5 for 45 dismantled Australia’s batting lineup as the hosts were bowled out for just 152 in their first innings of the Boxing Day Test.

Historic Spell at the Melbourne Cricket Ground

Tongue’s performance marked the first five-wicket haul by an England bowler at the MCG since Darren Gough and Dean Headley achieved the feat in 1998. The 27-year wait finally ended as England, trailing 3–0 in the series, found renewed momentum despite Australia having already retained the Ashes. The effort also represented Tongue’s most productive spell in Test cricket to date.

Key Role in Australia’s Batting Collapse

After England opted to field, Australia struggled from the outset against disciplined bowling. Tongue removed three of the top four batters during the morning session. Usman Khawaja fell soon after lunch following a successful review, while Alex Carey was dismissed through a leg-slip trap. Cameron Green was run out just as conditions appeared to ease, deepening Australia’s woes.

Career Milestone for Josh Tongue

The five-for surpassed Tongue’s previous best figures of 5 for 66 against Ireland at Lord’s in 2023 and became the third five-wicket haul of his Test career. He finished the innings dramatically by dismissing Scott Boland and Michael Neser with the final two balls, placing himself on a hat-trick heading into Australia’s second innings.

Imporatnt Facts for Exams

• Melbourne Cricket Ground is one of cricket’s oldest and largest stadiums.
• The Ashes is a bilateral Test series played between England and Australia.
• A five-wicket haul is considered a major bowling milestone in Test cricket.
• Boxing Day Tests traditionally begin on December 26 in Australia.

Crowd Presence and Series Context

Michael Neser top-scored with a fighting 35, including seven boundaries, but Australia could not avoid a low total. Tongue’s late strikes ensured England finished strongly. The Test also witnessed a massive turnout, with 93,442 spectators already present at the MCG, underlining the enduring appeal of the Boxing Day Test despite Australia’s series dominance.