England presented a dominant batting display on the interrupted opening day of the fifth Test of the Ashes Series being held at the Sydney Cricket Ground, being clearly ahead with 211 for 3 in 45 overs before the early close due to bad light and rain.
After being asked to bat, England started well, reaching 50 in 11.3 overs, even after losing early wickets. Zak Crawley was out in the 12th over after a review, with the result hanging in the umpire’s count, reducing England to 51-2.
However, the tourists continued to score at the same rate and reached the total of 100 in 22.6 overs. Joe Root and Harry Brook then took the game away from the Australian bowlers. Their partnership flourished in the late morning session as they added 50 runs to the total within 63 deliveries.
At lunch, England were well-placed at 114/3, with Root and Brook looking increasingly assured at the crease.
The duo owned the afternoon session entirely. Root raised a fluent 50 off 65 balls, with seven boundaries, and Brook followed suit soon with an assured half-century off 63 deliveries. Their fourth-wicket stand crossed 100 runs and then 150 runs, with the frustrating Australian attack seeing England surge past 200 in just under 42 overs.
At drinks break, England had reached 170/3 and the momentum carried on till the light started to worsen and stopped play. Early tea was taken at 211/3, with repeated interruptions due to bad light and rain not allowing any further play.
Stumps – Day 1
England 211/3 (45 overs)
Joe Root 72*, Harry Brook 78* With Root and Brook set and not out, England will go into Day 2 in a strong position, with an aim of putting up a commanding first-innings total as Australia look to strike early.