Harry Brook and Joe Root saved England from another collapse on Day 1 of the fifth Ashes Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) before rain ended play prematurely on Sunday, January 4. The opening day could only witness 45 games, leaving the packed crowd at the SCG frustrated.
However, they were thoroughly entertained by Joe Root (72*) and Harry Brook (78*) who were the stars of the day after the Australian pace trio of Mitchell Starc, Scott Boland and Michael Neser ran through England’s top order with one wicket each. England finished Day 1 on 211/3, riding on an unbeaten 154-run stand between Root and Brook.
England entered the New Year Tests on a high of their historic victory in the previous match at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett, who vowed to continue their attacking approach despite going 1-3 down in the series, walked into the center with the same intent.
Ashes 2025-26: 5th Test Day 1 Highlights
Duckett in particular got off to a fiery start, scoring five boundaries in the first seven overs and racing to 27 from just 23 balls. But Mitchell Starc brought about his downfall with a customary delivery in the channel outside the off-stump as he raced straight to Alex Carey behind the stumps.
After losing his opening partner, Crawley tried to mount an attack on Australia but was sent back for the 16th over as he failed to face an incoming delivery from Michael Neser that hit his pads, resulting in an lbw dismissal. In the very next over, Scott Boland managed to induce a weak lead from Jacob Bethell (10 off 23), leaving England reeling at 57/3.
Root, Brook saving England
Another England collapse looked inevitable as Harry Brook joined Joe Root at the crease with their team in desperate need of a long partnership. The pair didn’t keep it long, scoring at a rapid pace to put the pressure back on Australia. Brook and Root stayed busy at the crease, rotating strikes and finding boundaries at regular intervals.
The pair put on 50 runs from just 63 balls to take England to lunch at 114/3 after 24 overs had been bowled in the first session. The second session was no different, the two deployed batsmen didn’t give Australia an inch and made the most of the batting conditions. Root brought up his half-century in just 65 balls, while Brook also reached his milestone in the same over 63 deliveries, driving Michael Neser to point over the boundary.
After catching each other’s eye, the duo showed due respect to the bowlers as well, going through a rough patch without playing extravagant strokes and pouncing on any loose deliveries.
They brought up only the third century to stand for England in the series in just 122 balls. Just as the pair looked well set and headed for the gas pedal, rain halted their exceptional position during the second session, ultimately forcing an early stumping on the first day.
– The end
Issued by:
Rishabh Beniwal
Published on:
January 4, 2026
