Josh Tongue announced himself on the world stage in spectacular fashion by becoming the first England bowler this century to claim a five-wicket haul in a men’s Test at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground in Melbourne on Friday (December 26).
Josh Tong created history by taking a brilliant five wickets in MCG
England finally got a chance to celebrate at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), and it came through a brilliant effort from Josh Tong on a drama-filled day in the ongoing Boxing Day Test of The Ashes 2025-26 against Australia.
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With the Ashes series already 3-0 down, England were in desperate need of something special and Tongue did exactly that. The fast bowler tore apart Australia’s batting order and finished with excellent figures of 5/45, helping England bowl out Australia for just 152 runs in their first innings in the ongoing fourth Ashes Test at the MCG.
Freedom from Drought: Historical Significance of 5/45
In doing so, Tongue achieved something that no other England bowler has been able to do at the MCG in men’s Test cricket this century. This was a rare achievement for England at this famous venue. Tongue’s heroics ended England’s 27-year wait for a five-wicket haul at the prestigious MCG.
The feat was achieved by Darren Gough (5/96) and Dean Hadlee (6/60) during England’s famous 12-run win in 1998. Nearly three decades later, Tongue joins that rare club on Friday.
This performance was also the best performance of Josh Tongue’s Test career. He surpassed his previous best performance of 5/66 against Ireland at Lord’s in early 2023 and showed great control throughout the day.
A debut spell for the ages: Reliving Josh Tong’s five-wicket haul
The 25-year-old Worcestershire fast bowler produced a brilliant spell of fast bowling, taking advantage of the MCG conditions with accuracy and pace. His historic moment came when he dismissed Scott Boland after clean bowling Michael Neser, as the Englishman completed his third Test five-wicket haul and registered his name among the English greats.
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Australia never looked comfortable after electing to bat first, as Tongue’s impact was immediate. The Englishman dismissed three of Australia’s top three batsmen in a disastrous morning session, including Jake Weatherald (10), Marnus Labuschagne (6) and Steve Smith (9).
Usman Khawaja was sent back after a successful review after lunch. Alex Carey tried to fight back but was caught out at leg slip, while Cameron Green’s innings ended in disappointment when he was run out as batting conditions became easier. Then, the Englishman came back to wrap up the tail with clinical efficiency and complete his five-wicket haul.
England’s troubles increased due to Ashes in Australia
Despite Tong’s heroics, England failed to take the lead with the bat. Their lineup collapsed rapidly and they were out for just 110, giving Australia a vital lead of 42 runs. Harry Brook was the only batsman who looked comfortable and was top scorer with 41 runs, while number nine Gus Atkinson made 28 in the fourth Ashes Test.
England’s batting collapse has added another unwanted chapter to their Ashes history away from home. This collapse is now England’s third-lowest all-out score in an overseas Ashes Test since 2000. There have been only two bad innings in that period.
In 2021, England were bowled out for 68 on the same Melbourne ground, and in 2002, they could only muster 79 at the Gabba.
