Sydney, Australia – January 4, 2026: England made an encouraging start to the fifth and final Ashes Test against Australia at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG), only for bad light and rain to bring an early end to play on day one. When conditions finally forced the umpires to abandon the evening session, England were well placed on 211 for 3, with Joe Root and Harry Brook unbeaten at the crease.

Root (72*) and Brook (78*) produced a commanding and unbroken 154-run partnership, England’s highest stand of the series so far, rescuing the tourists after an uncertain start. The weather interruption meant nearly half of the scheduled 90 overs were lost, frustrating both teams and denying England the chance to further capitalise on favourable batting conditions.

England Recover After Early Collapse

After winning the toss for the fourth time on the tour, England captain Ben Stokes opted to bat first on a surface that initially appeared good for stroke play. However, early momentum was lost when England slumped to 57 for 3 inside the first hour.

• Ben Duckett was caught behind for a brisk 27 off Mitchell Starc
• Zak Crawley was trapped lbw for 16 by Michael Neser
• Jacob Bethell edged Scott Boland for 10 in a loose dismissal

At one point, England lost two wickets for just six runs, leaving Root and Brook both yet to score and the innings in danger of collapse.

Root and Brook Steady the Ship

From that point onward, England’s two premier batters took control. Joe Root was elegant and assured, punishing loose deliveries with his trademark cuts, glides, and cover drives. The former captain now has a strong opportunity to record his second Test century in Australia.

Harry Brook, who has endured an inconsistent Ashes series, showed greater patience and maturity. Though he rode his luck at times—surviving top edges and miscued shots—Brook also displayed his attacking instincts, including a memorable six off Cameron Green. On 78 not out, Brook is closing in on his first Ashes hundred, which would be a significant milestone in his 10th Test against Australia.

Together, Root and Brook found a measured tempo that had often eluded England earlier in the series, combining solid defence with controlled aggression.

Australia’s Bowling Loses Discipline

Australia enjoyed early success with the ball but struggled to maintain pressure as the day progressed. Apart from the opening spell, the hosts were inconsistent and occasionally wayward, allowing England to rebuild.

In a notable selection decision, Australia chose not to field a specialist spinner, omitting off-spinner Todd Murphy. This marked the first time since 1888 that Australia have played a Sydney Test without a frontline spinner. Stand-in captain Steve Smith admitted the decision was reluctant but dictated by conditions.

Behind the frontline seamers, Cameron Green and Beau Webster leaked runs, conceding 68 runs from just 10 overs, further easing England’s recovery.

Weather Brings Premature End to Play

Bad light halted play at 14:55 local time, with rain showers soon following. Despite conditions later improving, play was officially abandoned nearly two hours later, leaving a substantial portion of the day unplayed.

The interruption added to the sense of frustration after a series already affected by short matches, including two two-day Tests earlier in the Ashes.

Ashes Context and Pressure on England

Although the Ashes have already been decided at 3–1 in Australia’s favour, the Sydney Test still carries significance. England are aiming to avoid a heavy defeat and reduce the margin to 3–2, which would represent a more respectable outcome after a difficult tour.

Beyond the result, the match could have major implications for England’s leadership structure, with head coach Brendon McCullum and director of cricket Rob Key under growing scrutiny. Even a victory may not be enough to secure their long-term futures unless a clear vision for progress emerges.

Emotional Scenes and Vibrant Atmosphere

Before play began, both teams paid tribute to the heroes and first responders of the Bondi Beach terror attack, forming a guard of honour in a moving ceremony that received a standing ovation from the crowd.

Attendance swelled to 49,574, the largest Test crowd at the SCG in 50 years, adding to the spectacle on a sunny Sydney morning before the weather turned.

Outlook for the Remainder of the Test

With England set to resume on 211-3, much will depend on how long Root and Brook can extend their partnership. The pitch has offered little assistance so far, though variable bounce later in the match could bring England’s bowlers into play.

Crucially, after a series dominated by short matches, England’s batting resilience and the disrupted opening day raise hopes that this final Test could stretch deeper into its allotted five days.