Gulidjan cricket star Scott Boland has played a key role in Australia gaining the advantage on day one of the fourth Ashes test.

Australia struggled batting first on the MCG green top after being sent in, scoring just 152 in their first innings on Friday.

Boland continued his extraordinary record at the 'G with 3/30 as England collapsed to 110 shortly before stumps.

He then strode out as Travis Head's unlikely opening partner, surviving the lone over bowled by England on day one and even scoring a boundary before the end of the day's play, giving Australia a first innings lead of 46.

The paceman, usually a number 10 or 11, took on the opener's role to protect openers Travis Head and Jake Weatherald in bowler-friendly conditions.

On Friday Michael Neser took 4/45 and Mitchell Starc 2/23 alongside Boland's three wickets to smash through England's top and middle order. Cameron Green bowled Gus Atkinson to close out the English innings and finish with one wicket for no runs from just five deliveries. Earlier, Neser top scored for Australia with 35.

Boland's test career started at the MCG against England and he secured his career-best figures of 6/7 on debut.

This Ashes series he was critical to Australia retaining the Ashes in the absence of Josh Hazelwood (for the whole series) and Pat Cummins (for two of the first three tests), taking 11 wickets as Australia rampaged to a 3-0 lead.

Boland has now taken 14 wickets for the series, and 76 for his test career at a average below 19 - an elite performance.