Ashes: Wickets fall like nine pins as Australia seize advantage on Day 1 of Boxing Day Test

Twenty wickets tumbled on the opening day of the Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground which saw a record attendance of 94,199.

Australia fought back hard to take a 42-run lead against England on an eventful opening day of the Boxing Day Test at Melbourne Cricket Ground, where 20 wickets tumbled ⁠in front of record crowd of 94,199.

Josh Tongue led England's bowling with 5-45 after England won the toss and elected to field first as they bowled out Australia for 152 with Michael Neser top-scoring (35).

However, in reply, England were bowled out for 110 ​with recalled ⁠seamer Neser (4-45) and Scott Boland (3-30) doing bulk of the damage.

Harry Brook top-scored for visitors with 41.

England opener Ben Duckett's week went from bad to worse, out for two just days after unverified video surfaced showing him drunk during a mid-series beach break.

It was another shocking dismissal for the 31-year-old, lobbing a simple catch to Neser at mid-on off Mitchell Starc.

Australia, faced one over before stumps to make 4/0 to extend their overall lead to 46 with them strategically sending tail-ender Scott Boland to open the innings while regular opener Travis Head is yet to face a ball.

Australia have taken an unassailable 3-0 lead and have retained the Ashes urn following thumping eight wicket wins at Perth, ‌Brisbane and an 82-run win at Adelaide while England have nothing but pride at stake.

Earlier, Steve Smith was back after missing the Adelaide Test with vertigo symptoms, captaining the side again with Pat Cummins rested.

Australia opted for an all-pace attack with Neser and Jhye Richardson called up alongside Starc and Boland in the absence of Cummins and injured spinner Nathan Lyon.

It was Richardson's first Test in four years after three shoulder surgeries and Neser's maiden one with a red ball.

With England pace spearhead Jofra Archer ruled out of the series with a side strain, Gus Atkinson returned to the XI.

In the only other change, Jacob Bethell came in for the out-of-form Ollie Pope at the coveted No.3 slot.

(with inputs from agencies)