Joe Root again failed to convert 50 into a century as he undid his good work late on day one of the final Ashes Test at the SCG.
On his return to the ground where he was dropped as a novice batsman at the end of England’s 5-0 Ashes whitewash four years ago, Root (83) played admirably until he flicked a catch to square-leg in Mitchell Starc’s first over with the second new ball eight minutes before stumps.
It ended a hard-working stand of 133 between the captain and Dawid Malan (55no), which was then undermined when Jonny Bairstow also fell caught-behind to Josh Hazlewood’s last ball of the day in England’s 233 for five after Root had chosen to bat first.
Morning session
Before play, Mason Crane received his Test cap from former spinner Graeme Swann…
…And he is delighted.
Bairstow also gets his 50th Test cap from former captain and current England opener Alastair Cook.
All that aside, light drizzle prevents play.
Which also delays the toss.
Lunch is brought early as brighter weather finally arrives.
Afternoon session
England make a steady start but lose Mark Stoneman for a run-a-ball 24 to Pat Cummins.
James Vince settles in nicely but he is next to go – out for 25 as Cummins gets his second wicket.
Hazlewood grabs his first of the match – trapping Cook in front just five runs short of 12,000 career Test runs. Just.
Evening session
Root and Malan start to build their partnership after tea.
Captain Root reaches his fourth half-century of the series…
…And both men escape minutes later.
The duo bring up 100 for the fourth wicket.
Malan follows suit and records his third fifty of the series.
England look comfortable as Australia take the new ball with three overs left – then Starc strikes…
…And seven balls later, England finish the day on 233 for five.
To the frustration of Swann.
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