After being sent in, Australia were dismissed for 152 on a lively green surface offering pace and movement. England, however, struggled even more in testing conditions and failed to capitalise on their strong start with the ball.
Harry Brook top-scored for England with 41, but support was scarce as Australia’s attack ran through the batting order. Michael Neser led the way with figures of 4 for 45, while Scott Boland claimed 3 for 30.
Earlier, England captain Ben Stokes won a crucial toss under overcast skies and immediately put Australia in. England’s seamers made full use of the conditions as the hosts lost wickets regularly in front of a packed MCG.
Openers Travis Head and Jake Weatherald fell cheaply, while Marnus Labuschagne also failed to settle. Josh Tongue and Gus Atkinson found consistent movement, keeping Australia under pressure.
Steve Smith briefly looked composed before being bowled for nine by Tongue, a moment that lifted England supporters in the stands. Australia continued to slide after lunch, with Usman Khawaja, Alex Carey and Cameron Green all departing without making significant contributions.
Neser top-scored for Australia with 35, while Tongue finished with impressive figures of 5 for 45 to give England a slender advantage at the halfway mark of the day.
That advantage proved short-lived. England’s reply quickly unravelled as the Australian bowlers exploited the same conditions. Wickets fell regularly and only Brook offered resistance before England were dismissed well short of Australia’s total.
Australia have already retained the Ashes after convincing wins earlier in the series, but England arrived in Melbourne desperate to restore pride following criticism of their preparations and off-field issues.
With key bowler Jofra Archer sidelined through injury, England brought Atkinson back into the side, but despite early promise with the ball, their batting collapse left Australia firmly in control at the close of day one.
