England found stability through Joe Root And harry brook After a bad start to the fifth day hampered by weather ashes test At the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG). The pair put on an unbroken stand of 154 runs for the fourth wicket, taking England to 211 for 3 before the first day ended early due to bad light and rain.
Due to persistent rain and reduced visibility, play was limited to only 45 overs and the entire evening session was washed out. Nevertheless, the composure shown by Root and Brook will give England confidence after the visitors fell to 3 for 57 on a challenging surface.
England’s top order faltered after winning the toss and coming to bat first.
Having won the toss amid dense clouds, England elected to bat first in hopes of putting scoreboard pressure on Australia. However, this decision initially backfired as the top order struggled against disciplined seam bowling.
Opener Ben Duckett showed brief intent after scoring 27 and was caught behind by Mitchell Starc in an attempt to counter-attack. Jack Crawley was out LBW for 16 soon after. Michael Nesser Through the umpire’s call decision which went in favor of Australia.
Michael Nesser gets Jack Crawley for the third time in this series!
follow the #ash stay: https://t.co/jfYWTZcpyR pic.twitter.com/hK0tsCH1Zg
– cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) 4 January 2026
England’s early faltering deepened when debutant Jacob Bethel managed only 10 runs and was 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 that uncertain position, Root and Brook took charge with a measured but confident approach. The duo added 57 runs before lunch, leaving England at 114 for 3 at intermission and blunting Australia’s early momentum.
Root, batting with trademark patience, remained unbeaten on 72 off 103 balls at stumps, and opened the innings with sound judgment outside off stump. Brook supported him to the fullest and scored an unbeaten 78 off 92 balls, mixing caution with timely aggression.
In the afternoon session, the pair added 97 more runs, gradually swinging the balance back in England’s favour. Their partnership stood for its composure under pressure, especially when the pitch was offering constant seam movement.
Australia deploy rare all-speed attack at SCG
Australia adopted a brilliant tactical approach, fielding an all-pace attack without a specialist spinner – something that had not been seen at the SCG for almost 140 years. Starke, Nesser, Boland and Cameron Green shared the workload on the surface, maintaining continuous lines under overcast skies.
Starc took 1 for 53, while Neser and Boland took one wicket each. Green conceded runs and failed to take a single wicket, conceding 57 runs in only 8 overs.
First day ended early due to rain and bad light at SCG
Play was stopped shortly after tea as deteriorating light made conditions unsafe, with rain confirming the proceedings to end early shortly afterwards. Only 45 overs were possible, leaving England at 211 for 3 and firmly back in the contest.
The interruption will have disappointed Australia, who would have hoped for a late breakthrough, while England will be pleased to return on day two with a settled platform and two sets of batsmen at the crease.
Play on the first day stopped early due to bad light and rain
– England: 211/3 in 45 overs 🙌
Joe Root: 72*
Harry Brook: 78*#jroot #harrybrooks #Ashes2025 #crickettwitter pic.twitter.com/ATjIJPKo3Y– CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) 4 January 2026
Trailing 3-1 in the series after a dramatic two-day win in Melbourne, England entered the Sydney Test aiming to end the Ashes with a win.
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