Joe Root and Harry Brook produced a superb rescue act in Sydney, steering England out of early trouble before rain and bad light forced an early end to Day 1 of the final Ashes Test. England closed on 211 for 3, with Brook unbeaten on 78 and Root solid on 72, their unbroken 154-run stand transforming the innings after Australia’s quicks made early inroads.
Only 45 overs were possible as afternoon storms rolled across the SCG, capping a frustrating day for Australia, who notably went into the match without a frontline spinner for the first time since 1888. That decision grew more curious as the day wore on and Root and Brook settled in, finding fluency against an increasingly one-dimensional attack.
England’s innings had begun brightly before collapsing to 57 for 3, as Ben Duckett fell cheaply after an aggressive start, followed by Zak Crawley and Jacob Bethell. But from there, Root and Brook rebuilt with maturity and control. Root rediscovered the touch that has eluded him for much of the series, sweeping and steering with trademark precision, while Brook blended discipline with flashes of counter-attacking brilliance, particularly against the short ball.
Australia’s bowlers worked hard in humid conditions, but the absence of spin left Steven Smith short of options as the ball softened and movement faded. Michael Neser was the pick of the attack with 1 for 36, while Cameron Green endured a tough afternoon, going wicketless.
As the light dimmed and rain swept across the ground, the umpires had little choice but to call stumps, leaving England well-placed heading into Day 2, and Australia with questions to answer about both selection and strategy.
With the series already decided, pride, ranking points, and personal milestones are on the line, and if Root and Brook continue in this vein, England may yet finish the Ashes on a high.
