Michael Neser realized a lifelong ambition on Boxing Day at the Melbourne Cricket Ground with a stirring all-round performance for Australia on the opening day of the fourth Ashes Test against England.
In front of a record crowd of 94,199, Neser proved to be Australia’s standout performer on a frenetic day where the two teams combined. He scored a resolute 35 for the home side before taking 4 for 45 with the ball to help Australia take a lead of 46 runs in the first innings.
England won the toss and took full advantage of the helpful opening conditions to bowl out Australia for 152 in 46 overs. Seam movement dominated the morning session, with Josh Tongue leading England’s charge past figures of 5 for 45. Amidst the collapse, Neser provided vital resistance, holding the Australian innings together as wickets tumbled around him.
For Neser, the occasion had a deep personal meaning. On his Boxing Day Test debut at the MCG, he described the moment as a childhood dream come true. “It’s surreal. I dreamed about it as a kid,” Neser said after the game. “Every Christmas Day I’d get up early and my brother and I would play cricket in the backyard for hours, then we’d come back and watch the cricket. All day is cricket for us and it’s a dream come true to be a part of it. It gives me goosebumps just thinking about it.”
Ashes Boxing Day Test Day 1 | Scorecard
Australia’s modest total left them under pressure, but their bowlers responded with intensity and discipline. Neser struck early and often, removing key England batsmen Jacob Bethell, Joe Root and Ben Stokes to derail the visitors’ reply. England were dismissed for just 110 in 29.5 overs, with Harry Brook’s 41 the only note of resistance.
Neser said the key was patience and trusting the conditions. “The ball definitely snapped a little bit there with the new stone,” he explained. “It was just about finding ways to put pressure back on their batting and knowing that when we bowled we had to be patient and let the wicket do it.
The day also brought a moment that underlined the mindset of the Australian team first when Scott Boland was sent out as a makeshift opener on a lone leg in the fading light after returning figures of 3 for 30. Neser was quick to praise Boland’s willingness. “I don’t know about him as an opener, but as a tailback sometimes it’s our job to do that role,” he said. “With Scotty, you don’t even have to ask him. He just runs down and puts his pads on.”
Both sides found the batting a stern test as the moving ball dictated the conditions throughout the day. England’s bowlers were celebrating early after opting to take the field, but the Australian attack matched them with relentless precision and gradually wrested control.
For Neser, the performance was also a reminder of cricket’s unpredictability. “Cricket is a fun game,” he mused. “Going into the season I didn’t know if I would play for Australia again. To be in the position I’m in now I feel very privileged.”
Neser’s Boxing Day masterclass, following his match-winning 5 for 42 in Brisbane earlier in the series, added another defining chapter to his international journey and gave Australia a vital lead as the Ashes Test enters day two.
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Issued by:
Saurabh Kumar
Published on:
December 26, 2025
