England reached 211 for three on the opening day of the fifth Ashes Test in Sydney before rain forced an early close after 45 overs. Joe Root and Harry Brook shared an unbeaten fourth-wicket stand of 154 runs, rescuing the tourists from 57 for three.
Australia, missing Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon, fielded an attack without a specialist spinner for the first time in Sydney since the 19th century. Stand-in captain Steve Smith said the selectors were 'pushed into a corner' regarding the lack of a spinner, opting for two all-rounders in Cameron Green and Beau Webster.
England's top order faltered again, with Ben Duckett (27) edging Mitchell Starc, Zak Crawley (16) lbw to Michael Neser, and Jacob Bethell (10) caught behind off Scott Boland. Root then played a composed innings of 72, while Brook contributed a more aggressive 78, including a 97-metre six off Green.
The partnership was England's highest of the series and only their third past three figures. The run rate of 4.68 was more familiar for England supporters, though the rain that arrived at 3pm prevented a conclusive day. Play will resume on day two with England well placed at 211 for three.
