Australia in trouble as Tongue knocks off top order in Boxing Day Ashes Test
Khawaja was 21 not out, with wicketkeeper Alex Carey on nine on a green-tinged pitch after England pacer Josh Tongue burst through in a fiery spell of 3-24.
New Delhi: Seamer Jhye Richardson was picked in Australia’s playing XI for the first time since 2021-22 Ashes as England won the toss and opted to field in the Boxing Day Test in Melbourne on Friday.
Richardson joined Mitchell Starc, Scott Boland and Michael Neser in an all-pace attack as the hosts left out wicketkeeper-batter Josh Inglis from the team.
They also demoted all-rounder Cameron Green to number seven in their batting order, with Usman Khawaja batting at No.5.
Steve Smith returned to action after missing the third Test in Adelaide and will lead Australia in absence of regular skipper Pat Cummins who has been rested to protect his recovering lower back.
England brought in Jacob Bethell for his Ashes debut at number three in place of the dropped Ollie Pope, who was omitted owing to poor form.
The tourists recalled Atkinson to replace the injured Jofra Archer and reduced Australia to 72 for four at lunch on the opening day at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.
Khawaja was 21 not out, with wicketkeeper Alex Carey on nine on a green-tinged pitch after England pacer Josh Tongue burst through in a fiery spell of 3-24.
Travis Head chopped Atkinson onto his stumps to be dismissed for 12, fellow opener Jake Weatherald departed soon after for 10, caught behind with a leg-side edge off Tongue, who then removed No.3 Marnus Labuschagne for six with an edge at slip to Joe Root.
The young quick then cleaned up Smith through the gate for nine. Smith has been dismissed by Tongue in every innings he has played against him in first class cricket, including twice in the 2023 Ashes Test at Lord's.
Australia have already taken an unassailable 3-0 lead after wins in Perth, Brisbane and Adelaide in the five-match series.