Ashes LIVE: Australia cops a Tongue lashing with 4 wickets tumbling earlier than lunch as England roars to life in Boxing Day Test

Daily Mail Chief Cricket Correspondent Lawrence Booth in Melbourne

Gus Atkinson was not flattered by his pre-match series haul of three wickets at 78 each, but he’s bowled well today, and backed up a tight opening spell by removing Usman Khawaja in his second over after lunch. This feels like the kind of pitch he might enjoy: a bit green and a bit nibbly, not unlike the surfaces prepared over the past couple of seasons for his county, Surrey, at The Oval.

This is the best England have bowled all series. Plenty of full deliveries challenging the Aussies and getting the results they deserve.

Cameron Green is at the crease now and after a lean run of scores – and calls from Australian fans to axe him – this is the moment where he simply has to stand up and be counted for.

These are the moments that have typically gone against England this series. Originally given not out, Joe Root insists to captain Ben Stokes that there was a feather edge. The review shows the faintest of faint spikes as the ball passes the bat. But according to the laws, that is out. Several English players have fallen foul of it. And just when Khawaja was looking like he could rescue Australia, he has to go as well.

Ouch! Very uncomfortable delivery from Ben Stokes, chokes Khawaja up and whacks him on the hand. The Aussie troops on, but that would have to sting. Some excellent fielding from the English captain stops a certain boundary

Usman Khawaja is looking dangerous on 21 and Alex Carey, who is in career-best form, is also helping lead the Australian rescue mission. But the first session belongs to England, in particular Josh Tongue. Gus Atkinson impressed on his return as well with the scrambled seam bamboozling the Aussies.

Khawaja is starting to play some wonderful cricket shots to keep the Aussies in the hunt. One more over before the lunch break

A few nervous moments for Khawaja there. Two more overs until lunch.