Ashes D1: 5th Test – Bad light, early stumps, England on top in Sydney

England finished day one of the fifth Ashes Test firmly on top
after play at the SCG was called off early, leaving a sense that
both the cricket and the crowd were short-changed.


After winning the toss and batting first, England reached 3 for
211 from just 45 overs, with Joe Root 72 not out and Harry Brook
78 not out building an unbroken stand that Australia struggled to
break. The pair batted with control and clarity, cashing in on a
surface that looked good early and is expected to deteriorate as
the Test wears on.


Corbin and Ed focus on Australia’s selection, with no frontline
spinner named at the SCG for the first time since 1888. The
decision loomed larger as the day progressed, raising questions
about how Australia will control the game once the pitch begins
to break up later in the Test.


Bad light, followed by rain, brought an early end to play. While
the series is already decided, England leave day one with
momentum, and Australia with questions, both about the match and
the shape of the team moving forward.


Day two begins early, with England well placed and the spotlight
firmly on how Australia respond.


ABC Grandstand cricket commentator Corbin Middlemas is joined by
Ed Cowan to bring you all the highlights and match analysis to
keep you up to speed. The pair discuss the key players and big
issues that are dominating the cricket agenda. Whether it's Ashes
results, the latest in live fixtures or you just need a hit of
cricket banter.


Catch every episode of ‘The ABC Cricket Podcast,’ hosted by
Corbin Middlemas on ABC listen or wherever you get your podcasts,
and get in touch with them on social media via @abc_sport This
podcast was formerly known as ‘The Grandstand Cricket Podcast’