England were firmly in control as they search for the victory that will see them retain the Ashes after they ended a superb first day 59 runs ahead of Australia with all their wickets intact in the Boxing Day Test at the MCG.

James Anderson (four for 44) and Chris Tremlett (four for 26) shared eight wickets as they bowled Australia out for 98 in two sessions before Alastair Cook and Andrew Strauss put on 157 without loss.

Cook was especially impressive, finishing the day on 80 including 11 boundaries with the Essex opener opening up after surviving a reviewed appeal for leg before in the 24th over.

Strauss hit 64 including five fours as the captain moved beyond 6,000 Test runs in his career so far.

Tim Bresnan claimed the other two wickets after being brought in to replace Steven Finn.

Should England win in Melbourne and go 2-1 up in the series they would retain the Ashes and the pair have given the team an ideal platform before they return on Monday looking to build on their lead.

Strauss had put Australia in under cloud cover and on a surface dappled with green. Appearances were not deceptive, the ball moving around in the air and off the seam - and for good measure, occasionally leaping alarmingly from dangerous areas.

The result was a full house of dismissals from edges either to wicketkeeper Matt Prior - six - or catchers in the slip and gully cordon, as Australia posted their lowest total against England on this ground.

Strauss and Cook were in no mood to let the advantage slip, and seamlessly propelled England along - with massive power to add - after the sun had come out on cue to aid the batsmen from the moment England began their innings.

Cook survived an appeal for leg before when a review showed he had got a huge inside edge off a Ben Hilfenhaus delivery in the 24th over.