Root, Brook revive England after early collapse: 5th Test, Day 1 (SCG)

England finished Day 1 of the Ashes Test at the SCG on healthy 211 for 3 after a rain-hit opening day that allowed only 45 overs of play.

After winning the toss and choosing to bat, England slipped early to 57/3, but Joe Root (72) and Harry Brook (78) combined in an unbroken 154-run stand to seize control, countering Australia’s all-pace attack on a greenish surface.

Persistent showers and bad light forced an early abandonment of play before tea, leaving England well placed heading into Day 2, with the match set up intriguingly if the weather holds.

England 211 for 3 (Brook 78*, Root 72*, Neser 1-36) vs Australia.

Jan 2026.