Melbourne: The Boxing Day Test match in the 2025-26 Ashes series proved to be eventful for both Australia and England at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on December 26. Australia batted first and, in their initial innings, were dismissed for 152 runs. England followed suit, managing only 110 runs as Day 1 concluded.
However, the day was highlighted by star England batter Harry Brook’s record-setting performance. The 26-year-old scored 41 runs off 34 balls and became the fastest player in Test cricket history to reach 3,000 runs based on balls faced. Brook achieved this milestone in just 3,468 deliveries, surpassing the previous record set by Adam Gilchrist, who reached it in 3,610 balls.
Notably, Brook is among an elite group of four cricketers to have accumulated 3,000 Test runs while maintaining a batting average above 45 and a strike rate over 70. The others in this group include Virender Sehwag, Sir Vivian Richards, and Adam Gilchrist.
As for the match, after England’s first innings total, Australia began their second innings on Day 1 with Scott Boland and Travis Head as openers. The day ended with Australia at 4 runs without loss, establishing a narrow lead of 46 runs. England aims to strike early on Day 2 to limit Australia to a modest total and secure their first victory in the ongoing Ashes series.
