England in Control After Rain Hit First Day of Sydney Ashes Test

Overview

England ended Day One of the final Ashes Test in a strong position at 211 for 3 in Sydney. Early wickets put pressure on the visitors, but a solid partnership between Joe Root and Harry Brook rebuilt the innings before rain forced an early close.

Joe Root and Harry Brook rebuild England innings during Day One of the Sydney Ashes Test.
Image Source: Instagram/@icc —Edited & Modified by Us

England finished the opening day of the fifth and final Ashes Test in a stable position, reaching 211 for 3 before rain brought play to a premature end. After losing early wickets, Joe Root and Harry Brook played calm, responsible cricket to steady the innings.

Australia, already leading the series, were unable to break through the rebuilding partnership as conditions worsened late in the day.

England Choose to Bat First in Sydney

After winning the toss at the Sydney Cricket Ground, England captain chose to bat first on a surface that looked good for stroke play early on.

The opening pair gave England a reasonable start, adding 35 runs for the first wicket. However, momentum shifted when Ben Duckett was dismissed, triggering a brief collapse.

Early Collapse Puts Pressure on England

England lost three wickets for just 57 runs, allowing Australia to briefly take control.

• Ben Duckett scored 27
• Zak Crawley made 16
• Jacob Bethell was dismissed for 10

Australian bowlers shared the wickets evenly:

• Mitchell Starc took one wicket
• Michael Neser claimed one
• Scott Boland picked up one

At that point, England appeared vulnerable and in need of stability.

Root and Brook Rebuild with a Strong Partnership

Veteran batter Joe Root and aggressive middle order player Harry Brook stepped up when the team needed them most. They added a vital 154 runs for the fourth wicket, calmly neutralizing the Australian bowling attack.

Their partnership shifted momentum back in England favor and ensured no further damage before stumps.

Root and Brook Finish Unbeaten

By the close of play:

• Joe Root remained unbeaten on 72
• Harry Brook stayed not out on 78

Their disciplined shot selection and patience frustrated the bowlers and gave England a solid platform heading into Day Two.

Series Context

Australia have already secured the Ashes series by winning three of the first four Tests. England, however, claimed an important victory in the fourth Test in Melbourne and are now aiming to finish the series on a positive note.

The final Test in Sydney offers England a chance to restore pride and momentum despite the series result already being decided.

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