Every boxing day

Every Boxing Day: Michael Neser described patience and discipline as the key to success after his standout all-round display on Boxing Day at the MCG helped Australia seize control of the fourth Test of the five-match Ashes series against England in Melbourne on Friday.

On the opening day of the Test match, Australia established their dominance as both teams struggled against the moving ball. Australia were bowled out for 152 runs off 46 overs, following England's decision to bowl first, with Josh Tongue leading the England bowling attack with five wickets for 45 runs. The highest run-scorer for Australia was Michael Neser with 35 runs, who provided some much-needed resistance on a difficult pitch.

“Obviously, the last few weeks have been pretty keen to get a new ball in there and plans out,” Neser said after stumps. “The ball definitely nipped around a bit there with the new rock, so it was just a matter of trying to find ways to put pressure back on their bowlers and knowing that when we bowled, we had to just be patient and let the wicket do the work.”