Ashes 2025-26: Joe Root and Harry Brook steady England on rain-hit Day 1 of Sydney Test


England found stability through Joe Root and Harry Brook after a shaky start on a weather-disrupted opening day of the fifth Ashes Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG). The pair combined for an unbroken 154-run stand for the fourth wicket, guiding England to 211 for 3 before bad light and rain forced an early close on Day 1.

Persistent showers and fading visibility restricted play to just 45 overs, with the entire evening session washed out. Yet, England will take confidence from the composure shown by Root and Brook after the visitors slumped to 57 for 3 on a challenging surface.

England’s top order stumbles after winning the toss

Winning the toss under heavy cloud cover, England opted to bat first, hoping to put scoreboard pressure on Australia. However, the decision initially backfired as the top order struggled against disciplined seam bowling.

Opener Ben Duckett showed brief intent with a fluent 27 before falling to Mitchell Starc, edging behind while attempting to counterattack. Zak Crawley followed soon after, dismissed lbw for 16 to Michael Neser via an umpire’s call decision that narrowly went Australia’s way.

England’s early wobble deepened when debutant Jacob Bethell managed just 10 before being trapped by Scott Boland. At 57 for 3, England were in danger of wasting a crucial opportunity to finish the series on a positive note.

Joe Root and Harry Brook rebuild England’s innings

From that precarious position, Root and Brook took charge with a measured yet assured approach. The duo added 57 runs before lunch, steering England to 114 for 3 at the interval and blunting Australia’s early momentum.

Root, batting with trademark patience, reached stumps unbeaten on 72 from 103 balls, anchoring the innings with sound judgment outside off stump. Brook complemented him perfectly, scoring an enterprising 78 not out off 92 deliveries, mixing caution with well-timed aggression.

In the afternoon session, the pair added a further 97 runs, gradually shifting the balance back in England’s favour. Their partnership stood out for its calmness under pressure, particularly as the pitch continued to offer seam movement.

Australia deploy rare all-pace attack at SCG

Australia adopted a striking tactical approach, fielding an all-pace attack 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 one wicket each. Green leaked runs and failed to pick up a wicket, conceding 57 runs in just 8 overs.

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Rain and bad light bring early end to Day 1 at SCG

Play was halted shortly after tea as worsening light made conditions unsafe, with rain soon following to confirm an early end to proceedings. Only 45 overs were possible, leaving England at 211 for 3 and firmly back in the contest.

The interruption will frustrate Australia, who may have hoped for late breakthroughs, while England will be pleased to return on Day 2 with a settled platform and two set batters at the crease.

Trailing the series 3-1 after a dramatic two-day victory at Melbourne, England entered the Sydney Test aiming to end the Ashes on a winning note.

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