Ashes Test 5 Day 1: Root–Brook Stand Puts England on Top Despite Starc Strikes
The New Year’s Test got underway amid a lively atmosphere at the Sydney Cricket Ground, with a strong crowd turning up early for cricket’s oldest rivalry. Both teams wanted to bat on a surface that looked dry but carried a hint of moisture underneath, prompting captains to go in without a frontline spinner. After a brief delay due to an issue behind the bowler’s arm, England won the toss and chose to bat. Mitchell Starc, the leading wicket-taker of the series, had the new ball in hand, with three slips and a gully waiting as anticipation built around what the SCG pitch would offer.
Australia vs England – 5th Ashes Test • Day 1
The Ashes 2025/26 • Sydney Cricket Ground
Ashes Test 5 Day 1 Summary
The opening day belonged to England’s senior batters after early promise from Australia’s seamers fizzled out. Mitchell Starc provided the initial spark with a sharp spell using the new ball, while Michael Neser and Scott Boland chipped in with breakthroughs. However, inconsistency in lengths and a lack of sustained pressure allowed Root and Brook to settle. Once set, the pair dictated terms, countering the short-ball ploy and cashing in on anything loose. England will feel they missed out slightly by not pushing on further, but Day 1 firmly swung in their favour.
Ashes Test 5 Day 1 : Session-by-session breakdown
Morning Session: Starc Strikes Early, England Stumble
Australia began with intent as Starc steamed in with the new ball, exploiting early movement and bounce. Ben Duckett fell attempting to chase width, edging behind, while Zak Crawley was trapped lbw by a sharp in-seamer from Neser. Jacob Bethell showed flashes but perished to Boland, edging to the keeper. England slipped from 35 without loss to 57 for 3, with Australia sensing an opening on a lively surface. However, Root arrived just in time to steady the innings before lunch.
Post-Lunch Session: Root and Brook Wrest Back Control
Post-lunch conditions eased slightly, and Root and Brook began to rebuild with patience. Root was compact and calm, picking gaps with minimal risk, while Brook played with controlled aggression, mixing crisp drives with powerful pulls. Australia tried varying fields and lengths, but the bowlers struggled to maintain pressure. The 50-run stand came up quickly, followed by a century partnership that shifted the balance. By tea, England had erased early damage and firmly seized momentum.
Post-Tea Session: England Dominate as Light Intervenes
The final session was interrupted repeatedly by fading light and looming rain, but Root and Brook made the most of the time available. Brook reached his half-century with flair, while Root brought up his own milestone with trademark elegance. Australia’s short-ball tactics yielded chances, but luck favoured England as edges fell safe. With floodlights on and the lightmeter eventually forcing an early tea, England walked off unscathed, having dominated the latter half of the day.
Top Performers of Ashes Test 5 Day 1
Joe Root – The Anchor England Needed
Joe Root played a classic Test innings, finishing unbeaten on 72 off 103 balls. Compact in defence and fluent when driving, Root absorbed pressure early and punished loose deliveries without taking unnecessary risks. His ability to rotate strike ensured Australia never settled, and his partnership with Brook was the defining phase of the day.
Harry Brook – Controlled Aggression Pays Off
Harry Brook’s unbeaten 78 off 92 balls was a blend of flair and composure. While he offered occasional chances with his attacking instincts, Brook backed his game and kept the scoreboard moving. His counterpunching disrupted Australia’s plans and ensured England stayed ahead of the game throughout the middle and late sessions.
What to Expect on Day 2
England will look to build a substantial first-innings total, with Root and Brook well placed to convert their starts into something bigger. Australia, meanwhile, need early breakthroughs on Day 2 to claw back momentum, especially with the pitch expected to remain good for batting. How quickly Australia can strike with the second new ball may define the direction of this Test.
