Root, Brook Take Charge as England Recover to 211/3 on Rain-Hit Day 1 at SCG

England finished the opening day of the Ashes finale at the SCG in a far stronger position than the morning had suggested, closing on 211 for 3 after rain and lightning limited play to just 45 overs. Joe Root and Harry Brook, both unbeaten, transformed the day with a strong 4th-wicket partnership that restored order after early losses.

Root was 72 not out, while Brook remained unbeaten on 78, their unbroken stand worth 154; the second-largest partnership by either side in the series.

Early Movement Brings Early Rewards

Ben Stokes again won the toss and chose to bat, but England’s decision was tested almost immediately on a surface offering seam movement with the new ball. Mitchell Starc struck first despite a loose start, removing Ben Duckett for 27 after the left-hander had punished him with five boundaries in a brief counter-attacking spell. 

Duckett’s innings ended when he reached outside off stump and edged to Alex Carey, who completed a sharp catch diving to his right.

Michael Neser, preferred ahead of spinner Todd Murphy, delivered the second breakthrough. Zak Crawley was trapped lbw for 16 by a full delivery that straightened enough to beat the bat. Scott Boland then made it three wickets inside the first session, drawing Jacob Bethell into a loose push and finding the edge, Carey once again safe behind the stumps.

At 57 for 3, England appeared headed towards another frantic innings in a series that has repeatedly exposed their top order.

Root and Brook Steady the Ship

Root survived a nervous moment on the first ball, narrowly avoiding the edge, before settling into his rhythm with a trademark cover drive to open his account. Brook’s start was less orthodox, top-edging Boland over the slip cordon for his first boundary, but it proved a relief.

As the pitch eased and the ball softened, the pair took control. Root rotated strike fluently, repeatedly finding space behind square on the off side, while Brook tempered his natural aggression, waiting for scoring opportunities rather than forcing the pace.

Both reached their half-centuries in quick succession after lunch, Root from 65 balls, Brook from 63, and the momentum swung England’s way decisively.

Australia’s quicks continued to probe, but variety was limited. Cameron Green, under scrutiny coming into the match, struggled to land the ball consistently and finished the day wicketless, conceding 57 runs from eight overs. Beau Webster also went unrewarded, while Starc, Boland, and Neser claimed one wicket apiece.

The lack of a specialist spinner at the SCG, Australia’s first such decision at the venue since 1888, became increasingly conspicuous as Root and Brook batted with growing authority.

Weather Interrupts a Growing Contest

Just as England looked set to bat deep into the evening session, thick clouds closed in, and bad light forced an early stoppage. Although conditions later improved, play did not resume, bringing stumps forward on a day shaped by both resilience and restraint.

England will resume with two set batters and momentum finally on their side, while Australia faces the task of finding breakthroughs on a surface that has begun to flatten.