The series may be gone but the England cricketers seemingly don't care, as they ripped through the Australian batters before tea in the Boxing Day test

A record crowd for the MCG of 93,442 watched as the Aussies were skittled for just 152 in the 43rd over of the dead rubber.

Josh Tongue grabbed a five-wicket bag as the hosts never got going, bowler Michael Neser top-scoring with 35.

However, the seam-friendly conditions are playing both ways ... England losing four wickets so far in the final session.

Mitchell Starc removed Ben Duckett for just two, followed by Ashes debutant Jacob Bethell caught behind for one off Michael Neser ... and Zak Crawley edging one straight to second slip off Starc for five.

Now veteran Joe Root's gone for a duck, caught behind off Neser.

A short time ago, the English were 22 for 4 .

NEWSTALK ZB's INTERNATIONAL CRICKET COVERAGE WITH RESENE COLOUR SHOPS. YOUR COLOUR AND DECORATING EXPERTS