Sydney, 04 January (H.S.): Joe Root and Harry Brook forged an unbeaten 154-run fourth-wicket partnership on Sunday to steer England out of early trouble on a rain-affected opening day of the final Ashes Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG). Despite persistent showers and poor light limiting play to just 45 overs, England reached 211 for 3 at stumps, one hour earlier than scheduled due to worsening conditions.

Shaky Start, Swift Collapse

Opting to bat first after winning the toss, England endured a precarious top-order collapse, slumping to 57 for 3 inside the first session. Ben Duckett began aggressively, smashing five boundaries off Mitchell Starc in the opening half-hour, but fell cheaply, edging an off-stump delivery to slip as Starc exacted swift revenge.

The middle order crumbled further around drinks when Zak Crawley succumbed LBW to Michael Neser's sharp inswinging delivery, followed promptly by Jacob Bethell nicking Scott Boland behind to the wicketkeeper.

With the score in tatters, Australia sensed dominance on a pitch offering seamers modest early assistance.Root-Brook Turn the TideCaptain Joe Root (72*) and Harry Brook (78*) then orchestrated a masterful rescue act, blending patience with calculated aggression to wrest control from Australia's pace attack.

Root played with characteristic soft hands and late judgment, reaching his half-century with composed precision and committing few errors throughout. Brook, more expansive, showcased vintage strokeplay—including a exquisite extra-cover drive off Cameron Green—though not without nervy moments like a top-edged pull that landed safely and powerful cuts evading the keeper.

The duo capitalised as Australia's bowlers struggled for consistent line and length beyond Starc's probing spells. Even tactical short-ball barrages and frequent changes yielded little, with Neser finishing the day with figures of 1 for 36. By tea—taken early due to fading light—the pair had Australia firmly on the back foot.

Weather Wreaks Havoc

Rain interruptions punctuated the day, while deteriorating light prompted early tea and repeated inspections. As ominous clouds gathered late afternoon, umpires resorted to light meters amid vocal crowd frustration before calling stumps prematurely. The SCG pitch remained largely batsman-friendly, offering seamers only intermittent movement.

Brief Scores:

England 211/3 in 45 overs (Harry Brook 78*, Joe Root 72*; Michael Neser 1/36) vs Australia

England's seasoned duo will resume Tuesday morning, aiming to build a formidable first-innings total and keep the Ashes alive in this decisive final Test.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar