Australia v England – Story of day one

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 (55 not out) which was sadly 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.

Not again, Joe?!

Root’s habit of dodging three figures has become extreme of late, and he has been at a loss to explain why. His progress became ponderous as he tried to ensure it did not happen again here … but just when it seemed he was over it, he shot himself in the foot again.

Shot of the day

James Vince brought up a 50 stand with Alastair Cook for the second wicket with an imperious pull in front of square off Pat Cummins. Sadly, and typically of his tour, it was a moment of class which did not preface further riches as England’s number three merely put another promising yet frustrating 25 in the book.

Tough on Cookie

Cook was only five runs short of his 12,000th in Tests when the crumble went very much against him. The odds are always high of a ball pitching outside leg, under the length from a right-armer to a left-handed batsman and on that basis Joel Wilson ruled not out. Technology very nearly supported him, and spared Cook, but instead the ‘umpire’s call’ never came – and three reds did. Not everyone was convinced.

Stat of the day

Eight in eight – There was a solitary run per over for more than half an hour after tea, as Root tried to make sure his decision to bat first paid off. From a wobbly 95 for three, he and Malan did a decent job on a good pitch until the late twist arrived.

Tweet of the day

What next?

Consolidation on a still promising start, England must hope.