On a truncated day 1 of the fifth and final Ashes Test in Sydney, England ended up at 211 for 3. Joe Root and Harry Brook stitched an unbeaten association of 154 to not just resurrect the innings but also put their side in the ascendancy versus Australia.
England, who opted to bat, were at one point struggling at 57 for 3. On a track that offered enough help off the seam in the first session, Ben Duckett scored a flurry of boundaries. However, his innings didn’t last long, edging an away-swinger from Mitchell Starc to the ‘keeper. Michael Neser then trapped Zak Crawley in front, while Scott Boland forced Jacob Bethell to edge one from round the wicket.
At that juncture, Root and Brook joined forces to calm the nerves in the England camp. After negotiating a few nervy moments, both began to crack some eye-catching shots. Root was intent on playing one of his favourite shots – the dab to the third man. But he also ensured that he didn’t play it in the air. Root also juxtaposed that stroke with drives through the cover region.
Brook, who looked to bat outside the crease against the likes of Neser and Boland, also crunched a few drives. Once he got his eye in, he tried to play with more bravado. The batting duet also kept the opposition on their toes by pinching singles.
Meanwhile, for once, the Australians seemed to lack the energy on the field. Just before the tea break, the umpires decided to take the bails off due to bad light. The players didn’t come back on to the field as bad light and a rain shower or two ensured that only 45 overs would be bowled.
Australia, who have already retained the Ashes after winning the first three Tests, opted for only three frontline bowlers and two all-rounders, a decision that might cost them. On the other hand, England would be hoping to compile a big score and push on towards a second consolation win.
Brief scores: England 211/3 (Harry Brook 78*, Joe Root 72*; Michael Neser 1-36) v Australia.
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