Best bowling figures in Boxing Day Tests

On the first day of the fourth Ashes Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, both Australia and England were bowled out for 152 and 110 runs respectively, resulting in a total of 20 wickets falling. Among the standout performers of the day was England's fast bowler Josh Tongue, who claimed his third Test five-wicket haul in just 15 innings. By achieving his third five-wicket haul, he also became the first English bowler to accomplish this feat in a Boxing Day Test since 1998. Following this achievement, here is a list of the best bowling performances by visiting bowlers at the Melbourne Cricket Ground since its inception.

1. Jasprit Bumrah (2018) - 6/33

Before the MCG Test of the 2018/19 Border-Gavaskar Trophy, both teams had won one Test each, and India had the opportunity to retain the trophy having won the previous series. In the Boxing Day Test, young Bumrah showcased his talent, taking 6/33 in 15.5 overs to bowl Australia out for 151, giving India a massive lead of 292 runs. In the absence of Steve Smith and David Warner, he took several crucial wickets, including those of Marcus Harris, the experienced Shaun Marsh, Travis Head, and captain Tim Paine. His exceptional bowling performance also made him the best-performing Indian bowler at this venue. He then followed it up with 3/53 in the second innings, and India won the match by 137 runs, earning him the Man of the Match award.

2. Anil Kumble (2003) - 6/176

In 2011, when India toured Australia, they had a chance to win the prestigious Border-Gavaskar Trophy away from home at the iconic MCG, as they went into the Test match with a 1-0 lead. Batting first, they scored 366 runs in just over a day, after which Ricky Ponting played a magnificent innings of 257, supported by Matthew Hayden's 136, taking Australia to a total of 558. During Australia's innings, Anil Kumble stood out among the Indian bowlers, dismissing batsmen like Hayden and Ponting, as well as Adam Gilchrist, Simon Katich, Steve Waugh, and Brett Lee, and finishing with figures of 6/176 in a marathon spell of 51 overs.

3. Josh Tongue (2025) - 5/45

England had already lost the series before the Boxing Day Test and were playing for pride at the MCG. Winning the toss, England elected to bowl first on a green pitch. Josh Tongue, who had taken five wickets in the previous Test, continued his excellent form with the ball on the first day, ably supported by Gus Atkinson. He took the crucial wickets of openers Jake Weatherald, Marnus Labuschagne, and Steve Smith, giving his team an early advantage. After lunch, he dismissed the in-form Michael Neser and then completed his five-wicket haul with two wickets in consecutive balls, finishing with figures of 5/45, as the hosts were bowled out for 152.

4. Jasprit Bumrah (2024) - 5/57

In 2024, after winning the previous two Border-Gavaskar Trophy series away from home, India found themselves trailing 2-1 in the fourth match of the series played at the MCG. Following a superb performance of 4/99 in the first innings, Jasprit Bumrah took on the responsibility of dismissing Australia quickly in the second innings as well, finishing with figures of 5/57. By taking the wickets of Sam Konstas, Travis Head, Mitchell Marsh, Alex Carey, and Nathan Lyon, he limited Australia's lead to 339 runs. However, India were bowled out for just 155 runs and lost the series.

5. Dale Steyn (2008) - 5/67

During the second Test match of South Africa's tour of Australia in 2008, played at the MCG, the visiting team had a golden opportunity to win the series with a match to spare, and they seized it. Thanks to Dale Steyn's brilliant performance of 5/87 in the first innings, Australia were bowled out for 394, giving South Africa a 65-run lead in the third innings.

He once again delivered a stellar performance for the Proteas, taking five wickets to complete his ten-wicket haul in the match. His bowling spell led to Australia being bowled out for 247, leaving South Africa with a target of 183 runs, which they chased down with nine wickets in hand. His five wickets in the second innings included those of both opening batsmen, Matthew Hayden and Simon Katich, followed by the wickets of Michael Clarke, Andrew Symonds, and Peter Siddle.

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