Ashes 2025-26: MCG creates history with biggest single-day attendance

A total of 94,199 fans filled the Melbourne Cricket Ground on the opening day of the fourth Test of the ongoing Ashes on December 26. This marked the highest crowd recorded in the history of the venue

for a cricket match.

The attendance on December 26 bettered the previous record of 93,013, which was the turnout for the final of the 2015 World Cup final between Australia and New Zealand. This also set a fresh benchmark for the highest attendance for a single day in Test cricket. The 2013 Boxing Day Test had registered a tally of 91,112 spectators at the MCG on Day 1 of the match.

The cumulative attendance record for the Ashes of 271,865, which was set in 2013, is likely to be breached as well. The MCG is expected to be sold-out on the second and third days, and there is a high likelihood that the number will get surpassed.

Speaking of the first day's play, a record 20 wickets fell after England won the toss and elected to field first. A five-wicket haul by Josh Tongue (5/45 in 11.2 overs) led the way as Australiawere bowled out for 152 in 45.2 overs. Michael Neser top-scored for the hosts with 35 off 49 under his belt.

Harry Brook's counter-attacking 34-ball 41 spared the tourists from embarrassment after they were reduced to 16/4 after eight overs. No other player barring Brook, Ben Stokes and Gus Atkinson registered double-digit scores as England were bowled out for 110 in 29.5 overs. Neser came good with the ball as well, securing a four-wicket haul.

Scott Boland, who had picked up three wickets in England's first innings, was sent out to open the batting for Australia's second alongside Travis Head as a night-watcher. He was successfully able to handle a high-octane over from Gus Atkinson to close out the day successfully. Australia will enter the second day with a crucial lead of 46 runs under their belt. They are leading the series by a 3-0 margin.