AUS vs ENG 5th Test Live Score: England 211/3 at Stumps as Rain Halts Day 1 at SCG

AUS vs ENG 5th Test Live: England reach 211/3 at Stumps on Day 1 at the SCG. Joe Root (72*) and Harry Brook (78*) shine before rain halts play. Follow Sportzons for live scores

England 1st Innings

The final chapter of the 2025-26 Ashes series commenced at the iconic Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) with a day that perfectly encapsulated the “yin and yang” of modern Test cricket. While England’s veteran Joe Root and the explosive Harry Brook staged a masterclass in recovery, the Sydney weather had the final say, with a heavy storm and deteriorating light forcing an early end to proceedings. At Stumps on Day 1, England sits in a position of strength at 211/3 after 45 overs.

Morning Session: Australia Strike Early

After winning the toss and electing to bat, England’s openers took to the crease under high expectations following their morale-boosting win at the MCG. The early exchanges were dominated by Ben Duckett, who showed no fear against the new ball, dispatching Mitchell Starc for five boundaries in a brisk 27. However, the aggressive approach proved to be his undoing. Starc, showing his trademark resilience, lured Duckett into a wide drive, resulting in a sharp catch for Alex Carey.

The Australian pace attack, surprisingly devoid of a specialist spinner for the first time in Sydney in 140 years, found rhythm quickly. Michael Neser trapped Zak Crawley (16) plumb in front with a delivery that nipped back sharply. Despite a review, the decision stood. When Scott Boland induced an edge from the young Jacob Bethell (10), England looked in peril at 57/3.

The Rescue Act: Root and Brook’s Masterclass

What followed was perhaps England’s most clinical batting display of the entire series. Entering the fray with the innings wobbling, Joe Root and Harry Brook combined for an unbeaten 154-run partnership that silenced the SCG crowd.

Root, playing with the poise of a man chasing Sachin Tendulkar’s all-time run record, was the anchor. He reached his 67th Test fifty off 65 balls, late-cutting and driving with surgical precision. At the other end, Harry Brook provided the “Bazball” spark. He was particularly harsh on Beau Webster and Cameron Green, reaching his 15th Test fifty and finishing the day on 78 off 92 deliveries*, including six fours and a towering six.

The duo neutralized the Australian seamers, who found little assistance from a surface that many had predicted would offer more for the bowlers. By the time the players headed for Lunch at 114/3, the momentum had firmly shifted back to the tourists.

The Storm and Early Stumps

The afternoon session saw England cross the 200-run mark in the 42nd over, with both batsmen looking set for centuries. However, as is often the case in Sydney, the atmosphere turned “ominous.” Dark clouds gathered, and the light faded rapidly.

Umpires Ahsan Raza and Chris Gaffaney were forced to take the players off the field shortly before the scheduled Tea break. What began as a light drizzle escalated into a significant storm, flooding parts of the outfield. After several inspections and with the light showing no signs of improvement, the officials officially called Stumps at 4:30 PM local time.

Match Outlook

For Australia, the decision to leave out Todd Murphy and field an all-pace attack will be under heavy scrutiny if the pitch continues to flatten out. For England, the mission is simple: convert this platform into a massive first-innings total to put pressure on an Australian batting lineup that struggled significantly in Melbourne.

AUS vs ENG 5th Test Live Score: England 211/3 at Stumps as Rain Halts Day 1 at SCG

• Harry Brook: 78* (92)

• Joe Root: 72* (103)

• Mitchell Starc: 1/45

• Michael Neser: 1/36

As the teams head into Day 2, all eyes will be on the Sydney sky and the continuation of the Root-Brook masterclass.

AUS vs ENG 5th Test Live Score: England 211/3 at Stumps as Rain Halts Day 1 at SCG