Melbourne, Dec. 26 -- Australia pacer Michael Neser helped the Aussies place themselves as firm favourites on the first day of the fourth Ashes Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) itself. He expressed delight at playing a crucial role for the team in front of the massive MCG crowd.

Neser, 35, was Australia's leading run-scorer with a crucial 35 off 49 balls as they were dismissed for just 152 on Day 1 at the MCG, which had over 90,000 people attending the match. He then starred with the ball, claiming 4 for 45 and removing Jacob Bethell, Joe Root and Ben Stokes, ripping through the core of England's lineup as the Three Lions were dismissed for only 110 on the opening day, which saw 20 wickets fall.

Speaking at the post-day press ...