England found stability through Joe Root and Harry Brooke after a shaky start on the fifth day on a weather-damaged opening day Ash Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG). The pair combined for a 154-run stand for the fourth wicket, before poor light and rain forced England to 211 for an early close on Day 1.
Incessant showers and reduced visibility restricted play to just 45 overs with the entire evening session washed out. However, England will be confident of the composure shown by Root and Brook after the visitors slumped to 57 for 3 on a difficult surface.
England’s top order stumbles after winning the toss
England, who won the toss under heavy cloud cover, elected to bat first, hoping to put pressure on Australia on the scoreboard. However, the decision initially backfired as the top order struggled against disciplined seam bowling.
Opener Ben Duckett showed brief intent with a smooth 27 before falling to Mitchell Starc as he attempted a counter-attack. Zak Crawley followed soon after, dismissing him lbw for 16 Michael Neser With a referee call decision that narrowly went the way of Australia.
Michael Neser has Zach Crawley for the third time in this series!
follow #Ash live: https://t.co/jfYWTZcpyR pic.twitter.com/hK0tsCH1Zg
— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) January 4, 2026
England’s early swing deepened when debutant Jacob Bethell managed just 10 before being trapped by Scott Boland. At 57 for 3, England were in danger of missing a crucial opportunity to end the series on a positive note.
Joe Root and Harry Brook revive England’s innings
From this uncertain position, Root and Brook took charge with a measured but sure approach. The duo added 57 runs before lunch to take England to 114 for 3 at the interval and reduce Australia’s early momentum.
Batting with trademark patience, Kok reached the stumps unbeaten on 72 off 103 balls and anchored the innings with sound judgment off stump. Brook completed it perfectly, scoring 78 off 92 deliveries, mixing caution with well-timed aggression.
The pair added another 97 runs in the afternoon session, gradually shifting the balance in England’s favour. Their partnership stood out for their composure under pressure, especially when the pitch continued to offer seam movement.
Australia form a rare pace attack at the SCG
Australia took a stunning tactical approach, going full-tempo without a specialist spinner – something not seen at the SCG for nearly 140 years. Starc, Neser, Boland and Cameron Green shared the workload on a surface that rewarded consistent lines under overcast skies.
Starc finished with figures of 1 for 53, while Neser and Boland claimed a wicket each. Green leaked runs and failed to take a wicket, conceding 57 runs in just 8 overs.
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Rain and bad light bring an early end to Day 1 at the SCG
Play was suspended shortly after tea as deteriorating light made conditions dangerous, followed by rain that confirmed an early end to proceedings. Only 45 overs were possible, leaving England 211 for 3 and firmly back in the contest.
The break will frustrate Australia, who could hope for late breakthroughs, while England will be happy to return on Day 2 with a settled platform and two sets of strikes at the crease.
Early stumps on day 1 due to bad light and rain 🏏
– England: 211/3 in 45 overs 🙌
Joe Root: 72*
Harry Brooke: 78*#JoeRoot #HarryBrook #Ashes2025 #CricketTwitter pic.twitter.com/ATjIJPKo3Y— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) January 4, 2026
Having trailed the series 3-1 after a dramatic two-day victory in Melbourne, England went into the Sydney Test aiming to end the Ashes with a win.
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