25 wickets
1902: Melbourne
Result: Australia won by 229 runs
Twenty-five wickets on Day One of the second Ashes Test in 1902 remains the world record for the most scalps on the opening day of any Test. The New Year’s Test at the MCG was played under challenging conditions, with Australia being bundled out for a mere 112, thanks to six and four-wicket hauls by pacer Sydney Barnes and spinner Colin Blythe, respectively. England’s response was even worse as they collapsed for just 61, with spinner Monty Noble claiming 7-17. Four visiting batters were dismissed for ducks. It was the same old story for the hosts’ batters as they were reduced to 48-5 on Day One.
20 wickets
1894-95: Melbourne
Result: England won by 94 runs
The second Test of the series in Melbourne, played from December 29 to January 3, produced a masterclass from the Australian bowlers on Day One with England skittling out for just 75, thanks to 5-32 by pacer Charlie Turner. The Australian response was equally shocking, with the hosts losing the first three wickets for just 14 and the last seven wickets for 70 to get bowled out for 123, as right-arm pacer Tom Richardson claimed a five-wicket haul.
22 wickets
1890: The Oval
Result: England won by 2 wickets
Hosts England were high on confidence after winning the opening Test at Lord’s convincingly by seven wickets. Australia, batting first after winning the toss, were dismantled for 92 after pacer Fred Martin made a dream debut with figures of 6-50. England’s WG Grace-led batting line-up couldn’t do much as Australia fought back to dismiss the hosts for just 100. England, in reply, lost two quick wickets to end the day at 5-2.
20 wickets
1909: Old Trafford
Result: Match drawn
The fourth Test of the 1909 series produced a dramatic day in Manchester. Australia, batting first, were dismissed for 147. However, the total seemed respectable as the pitch offered considerable assistance to the bowlers, with right-arm pacer Sydney Barnes and spinner Colin Blythe claiming five-wicket hauls. England batters, in reply, struggled as the hosts tumbled for 119, with pacer Frank Laver claiming career-best figures of 8-31, as the opening ended with 20 wickets falling.
20 wickets
1882: The Oval
Result: Australia won by seven runs
This is arguably the most famous England vs Australia Test in history, giving birth to The Ashes. The opening day saw Australia being dismissed for a mere 63 in just 80 overs (four-ball overs), with England pacer Dick Barlow taking 5-19. England, in response, were well placed at 57-2, but then collapsed like a pack of cards, losing the next eight wickets for just 44 to be bundled out for 101. Right-arm pacer Fred Spofforth was the pick of the Australian bowlers with 7-46 as 20 wickets fell on Day One.
