Melbourne: The Ashes 2025 once again captured global cricketing attention as Australia and England clashed in the iconic Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). Day one of the match entered the history books, not for an individual milestone, but for an unprecedented crowd turnout that reaffirmed the enduring appeal of Test cricket.
A record-breaking 93,442 spectators filled the MCG on the opening day, surpassing the previous one-day attendance record of 93,013 set during the 2015 ICC World Cup final. It also eclipsed the earlier Test record at the venue, when 91,112 fans attended the first day of the 2013 Ashes Test. In the broader history of Test cricket, this now stands as the second-highest single-day attendance ever, behind only the India–Pakistan Test at Kolkata in 1998–99.
Fans were rewarded with high-intensity cricket from the outset. After winning the toss on a bowler-friendly surface, England produced a disciplined and aggressive bowling display. Australia’s top order struggled, losing early wickets and failing to build momentum. England’s pace attack maintained relentless pressure, capitalising on every mistake.
The standout performer was Josh Tongue, who delivered a five-wicket haul to dismantle Australia’s batting lineup. His spell silenced critics and lifted England’s spirits, energising their supporters in the stands.
Australia were eventually bowled out for 152, despite brief resistance from Usman Khawaja, Alex Carey, Cameron Green, and a determined knock of 35 by Michael Neser.
The massive turnout has also raised hopes of breaking the MCG’s record for cumulative Test series attendance, currently held by the 2013 Ashes series. As the match progresses, both the on-field contest and the off-field spectacle continue to underline why the Ashes and the MCG remain central to Test cricket’s legacy.
