Ask Onix
Rain halts play as England reach 211-3 in Sydney
England's Joe Root and Harry Brook guided the tourists to 211-3 before bad light and rain forced an early end to day one of the fifth Ashes Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground.
England's recovery after early wobbles
After winning the toss for the fourth time on the tour, England captain Ben Stokes saw his side stumble early, slipping to 57-3. Ben Duckett fell for 27, caught behind off Mitchell Starc, while Zak Crawley was trapped lbw for 16 after playing around a Michael Neser delivery. Jacob Bethell's dismissal for 10, edging Scott Boland, left England in a precarious position with both Root and Brook yet to score.
However, the pair staged a resilient recovery, forging an unbroken 154-run partnership-the highest of the series for England, who trail 3-1 in the Ashes.
Root and Brook dominate Australia's wayward attack
Root, unbeaten on 72, displayed his class with a mix of cuts, glides, and cover drives, while Brook, on 78, showed patience and composure to edge closer to his first Ashes century. Their partnership was a rare bright spot for England, who had struggled with consistency throughout the tour.
Australia's bowlers, usually disciplined, were erratic on the day. Starc, Boland, and Cameron Green leaked runs, with Green and all-rounder Beau Webster conceding 68 runs in just 10 overs. The absence of specialist spinner Todd Murphy-left out for the first time in a Sydney Test since 1888-further weakened their attack.
"I hate doing it," said stand-in Australia captain Steve Smith on omitting Murphy, "but I was backed into a corner by the conditions."
Steve Smith
Weather cuts short promising start
Play was halted at 14:55 local time due to poor light, with rain later preventing any resumption. Despite improved conditions, officials abandoned the day with 45 overs still unbowled, leaving England well placed but frustrated.
The Sydney Cricket Ground, traditionally a spinner's paradise, has seen minimal turn in recent years, with this Ashes series set to finish with the fewest wickets taken by spinners in history.
Tribute and atmosphere set the tone
The day began with a poignant moment as both teams formed a guard of honour for heroes and first responders of last month's Bondi Beach terror attack. The gesture drew a standing ovation from a record crowd of 49,574-the largest for a Test at the SCG in 50 years.
Despite the series already decided, the match carries significance for England's hierarchy. A defeat could intensify pressure on head coach Brendon McCullum and director of cricket Rob Key, while even a win may not secure their futures if internal disagreements persist.
What's next?
With half the day's play lost, the match's outcome remains uncertain. England's batting depth and Australia's bowling resilience will be tested if conditions improve. The pitch, offering little assistance to spinners, could produce variable bounce later, benefiting England's bowlers if they bowl last.
