Ashes: England pacers bundle out Oz for 98

Melbourne: England has taken a significant stride toward retaining the Ashes by bowling out Australia for a meager 98 runs in its first innings on the opening day of the fourth test.

Needing to avoid defeat to have a hope of reclaiming the Ashes, Australia's batting order collapsed after being sent in on a seaming Melbourne Cricket Ground wicket on Sunday, with James Anderson and Chris Tremlett each taking four wickets.

Australia was dismissed inside 43 overs, with England wicketkeeper Matt Prior taking six catches as every Australian batsman was out caught behind the wicket.

Michael Clarke ground out 20 to be the highest scorer for Australia, which must hope the pitch retains enough movement to enable the hosts to bowl out England cheaply.