27 Dec 2013

Cook out as Aussies bowl, Bairstow replaces Prior

9:08 am on 27 December 2013

Australia are on top of England after the opening day of the fourth Ashes cricket test on Boxing Day, which set a world record for a Test crowd of 91,092 at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.

England reached 226 for six at stumps, after the tourists were 135 for three at tea.

Captain Alistair Cook fell for 27 early on after the Australian skipper Michael Clarke won the toss and elected to bowl.

England were 71 for one at lunch, before Michael Carberry was bowled by Shane Watson for 38 and Joe Root was caught for 24.

Kevin Pietersen hit a determined 67 not out and will resume alongside bowler Tim Bresnan, who's on one.

All-rounder Watson limped off the ground with a groin injury.

The England selectors have dropped wicketkeeper and vice captain Matt Prior, who's been replaced by Yorkshire's Jonny Bairstow.

The tourists also named spinner Monty Panesar in place of Graeme Swann, who retired from England and first-class cricket during the week.

The hosts named the same side that won in Brisbane, Adelaide and Perth, with paceman Ryan Harris deemed fit despite suffering knee soreness.

England paceman Stuart Broad retains his place despite a doubt over his fitness.

Australia has already won the five-match series 3-0.

The Boxing Day Ashes match broke the official attendance world record for a day of Test cricket, with 91,092 fans at the MCG for the opening day's play.