England seized control on the opening day of the fifth and final Ashes Test in Sydney, only for the weather to intervene and bring a premature close to proceedings. Bad light followed by persistent rain forced the players from the field just before the scheduled tea break, with England strongly placed at 211 for three.
Yorkshire Duo Steadies the Ship
After being inserted by Australia, England's top order faltered once again, slipping to a precarious 57 for three on a benign Sydney Cricket Ground pitch. Ben Duckett (27), Zak Crawley (16), and the promising but raw Jacob Bethell (10) all fell as the tourists threatened to squander a promising start.
It was the familiar pairing of Joe Root and Harry Brook who rescued the innings. The Yorkshiremen combined for an unbroken fourth-wicket stand of 154, England's highest partnership of a difficult series. Root played with serene control to reach 72 not out, while the more aggressive Brook raced to 78 not out.
Australia's Bold Selection Gamble
The home side's decision to field an attack without a specialist spinner for the first time at the SCG since 1888 backfired. Captain Steve Smith admitted he "hated" omitting Todd Murphy, but the move continued a recent trend of seam dominance at the historic venue.
The all-rounders tasked with filling the void, Cameron Green and Beau Webster, proved expensive, conceding 67 runs from their combined 10 overs. With the floodlights overpowered by the gloomy Sydney skies, Australia were likely relieved to escape to the dressing room when the umpires called a halt.
England's Intent and Australia's Relief
Root's innings was a masterclass in placement and timing, particularly through the off-side, as he brought up his half-century from just 65 deliveries. Brook's knock was more characteristically frenetic, featuring a towering six off Green and several audacious strokes mixed with moments of fortune.
The darkening conditions and subsequent rain ended the day after only 45 of the scheduled 90 overs were bowled, leaving a packed SCG crowd disappointed. England will resume on day two in a powerful position, with their two set batters eyeing major centuries and a chance to post a formidable first-innings total in this final Ashes contest of the 2025 series.
