On the first day of the final Australia vs England Ashes Test at the SCG, England scored 211 runs for the loss of 3 wickets before play stopped early because of rain and bad light. Joe Root was 72 not out, and Harry Brook was 78 not out. After losing three early wickets, Root and Brook added 154 runs together. Ben Duckett scored 27, Zak Crawley 16, and Jacob Bethell 10. Root and Brook steadied England on a bouncy but easy pitch. England will start Day 2 at 211 for 3.
Australia did not use a spinner, only fast bowlers Starc, Boland, Neser, and Webster. They did not play a specialist spinner for the first time at Sydney since 1888. Their fast bowlers were inaccurate at times, and the pitch offered little help once the new ball lost its shine. The pitch offered bounce but was easy to bat on. Fans were disappointed with the early stoppage and booed when stumps were called.
The day also included a tribute to heroes and first responders of the Bondi Beach terror attack, receiving a standing ovation from the crowd. England’s bright finish gives them a chance to cut the series deficit to 3-2.
Joe Root and Harry Brook Forge Unbroken 154-Run Partnership in Fifth Ashes Australia vs England Test
On day one of the fifth Ashes Australia vs England Test in Sydney, England recovered from 57-3 to 211-3 by tea, thanks to an unbroken 154-run partnership between Joe Root (72*) and Harry Brook (78*). Root was calm and composed, scoring his 67th Test fifty, while Brook played more aggressively for his 15th.
The Australian attack included no specialist spinner for the first time at the SCG since 1888, with Beau Webster chosen over Todd Murphy. England also avoided a frontline spinner, bringing Matthew Potts in for injured Gus Atkinson and keeping extra batting depth with Will Jacks.
England’s top order struggled early: Ben Duckett made 27 before edging Mitchell Starc, Zak Crawley was lbw to Michael Neser for 16, and Jacob Bethell edged Scott Boland for 10. Root and Brook steadied the innings, targeting Cameron Green, who conceded 57 runs in eight overs.
Bad light and rain ended the day’s play early, washing out the final session. Australia leads the five-match series 3-1.
Teams Pay Tribute to Bondi Beach Heroes During Final Australia vs England Ashes Test
At the final Australia vs England Ashes Test, Australia and England’s teams paid tribute to first responders and civilians who acted heroically during the Bondi Beach attack on December 14, 2025. The ceremony included an on-field guard of honor, receiving a loud ovation from the crowd, especially for Ahmed al Ahmed, who disarmed one of the attackers.
The attack, described as an antisemitic terrorist incident, left 15 people dead. Tributes included ambulance workers, police, surf lifesavers, and members of Jewish community groups. Security was heightened at the SCG for the Test.
On the cricket field, England recovered from an early collapse of 57/3 to reach 114/3 at lunch, thanks to Joe Root and Harry Brook. They finished Day 1 at 211/3, with Root unbeaten on 72 and Brook on 78*, sharing a 154-run partnership. Play was briefly interrupted by rain.
FAQs.
Q. What was England’s score at the end of Day 1 in the fifth Ashes Test?
A. England were 211 for 3 wickets at the end of Day 1 in the fifth Ashes Test.
Q. How many runs did Joe Root and Harry Brook add together?
A. Joe Root and Harry Brook amassed 154 runs together without getting out.
Q. What was the tribute that happened during the Test?
A. A standing ovation was given by the audience as both teams honored the first responders and heroes of the Bondi Beach terror attack on December 14, 2025.
Q. What is the current Ashes series score between Australia and England?
A. Australia is ahead 3-1 in the five-match Ashes series against England.
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