Sydney, 4 January 2026:
Joe Root and Harry Brook batted England into a strong position on the opening day of the fifth Ashes Test after early wickets fell against Australia at the Sydney Cricket Ground on Sunday.
Root was unbeaten on 72 and Brook on 78 as England reached 211 for 3 at stumps on Day 1 after choosing to bat. Bad light and rain curtailed play late in the day, denying Australia a chance to break a stubborn fourth-wicket partnership that swung momentum England’s way.
England’s top order struggled against the new ball under clear morning skies. Mitchell Starc removed Ben Duckett for 27, while Michael Neser trapped Zak Crawley lbw for 16 after a review upheld the on-field decision. Scott Boland then had debutant Jacob Bethell caught behind for 10, leaving England wobbling at 57 for 3 inside 13 overs.
Root and Brook responded with authority and composure, countering disciplined bowling with fluent strokeplay. Root reached his half-century off 65 balls, striking eight boundaries, while Brook followed with a brisk 50 from 63 deliveries, highlighted by crisp drives and confident pulls.
The pair added an unbroken 154 runs for the fourth wicket, frustrating Australia’s attack as the pitch flattened out. Starc, Neser and Boland each took one wicket, but Cameron Green proved expensive, conceding 57 runs from eight overs.
England, who trail in the Ashes series, will look to build a commanding first-innings total on Day 2 with captain Ben Stokes and a long lower order still to come.
Scores in Brief
England 1st innings: 211/3 in 45 overs (Joe Root 72* (103 balls), Harry Brook 78* (92 balls)
Mitchell Starc 1/53, Michael Neser 1/36, Scott Boland 1/48)
