The Melbourne pitch has been criticized by former England captain Sir Alastair Cook, who described it as an “unfair contest” after 20 wickets fell on the first day of the Boxing Day Ashes Test. Cook said the pitch was “too heavily weighted in the bowlers’ favour” and questioned whether it would flatten out in the coming days.
England fast bowler Josh Tongue excelled in the conditions, taking his third Test five-for, while Australia’s Scott Boland was also a constant threat, taking 3-30 from nine overs. The pitch’s 10mm of grass helped the bowlers, with lateral movement making it challenging for batsmen.
Australia won the toss and were rolled for 152, but England fared worse, being torpedoed for 110 in reply. Only Harry Brook (41) and Gus Atkinson (28) passed 20 for England.
The Ashes series is currently 3-0 in Australia’s favour, with the fourth Test continuing until December 30 at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.0
