SYDNEY: England enjoyed one of their brighter moments in a difficult Ashes campaign as Joe Root and Harry Brook combined for a crucial 154-run partnership to lift the tourists to 211 for three on the opening day of the fifth Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground.
Play was halted 20 minutes before tea due to bad light, with looming storm clouds forcing an early abandonment nearly 90 minutes before the scheduled close. The decision was met with boos from the remaining spectators among the 49,574 in attendance.
With England already trailing 3-1 in the series and Australia assured of retaining the urn, the stand between Root and Brook provided rare encouragement for captain Ben Stokes and the travelling supporters. England had stumbled to 57 for three early, raising fears of another collapse, before the pair rebuilt with authority and composure.
Root reached his 67th Test half-century while also bringing up the century partnership, before Brook followed with a fluent fifty of his own. Brook was unbeaten on 78 and Root on 72 when play was called off.
“We’re in a very good position, obviously, three down at the end of play,” Brook said. “Hopefully we can make the most of that going into tomorrow.”
