Summary

  • Fifth Test, day one, Sydney - England win toss and bat

  • Root and Brook both hit fifties in unbroken 154-run partnership before bad light and rain eventually lead to early close at 06:00 GMT, with England 211-3

  • Duckett, Crawley and Bethell fall in first 13 overs to leave tourists 57-3

  • Australia hold unassailable 3-1 series lead

  • Highlights available on iPlayer from 17:00 GMT

  • Day two will begin 30 minutes early at 23:00 GMT Sunday 4 January (10:00 local time, Monday 5 January)

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Live Reporting

by Elizabeth Botcherby & Timothy Abraham

  1. Simon Mann
    BBC Test Match Special commentator

    Harry Brook is another player who has yet to flourish in this series so far.

  2. Alex Hartley
    Former England bowler on BBC Test Match Special

    I like this in-out field that Australia have set. You know batters might play that aerial shot but you also have your slips and gully in play.

    Harry Brook needs to find that vacant area.

  3. Eng 63-3

    Hayley (@12:43) isn't impressed with Zak Crawley and James (@12.29) and a few others have been debating Ben Duckett's future in this England side.

    We had a similar chat about Duckett in the office. He's not been in good form in Australia and unlike Crawley, he hasn't really tried to adapt his approach, but our conundrum is - who can you see England picking in his place?

    Anyway... Joe Root is driving through the covers for four, a welcome tonic.

  4. Alex Hartley
    Former England bowler on BBC Test Match Special

    Jacob Bethell of EnglandGetty Images

    The lack of partnerships has been England's downfall. When England lose a wicket, they suddenly lose three in succession.

  5. Get Involved

    Click 'Get Involved' at the top of this page to have your say

    When will enough be enough for England re Zak Crawley? It's got a little farcical now. Surely he has to have the lowest average of any opener in the World Test Championship?

    Hayley, Bournemouth

    Gee whiz! TMS said earlier that batting will be good on this later today and into tomorrow. At this rate, Australia will be batting. Still hopeful. Another Root century must be due.

    Elizabeth

  6. Alex Hartley
    Former England bowler on BBC Test Match Special

    That ball has not done an awful lot. Bethell has tried to defend it but England find themselves three down.

    Bethell looked good out there but it was that length where you feel you need to play it.

  7. Simon Mann
    BBC Test Match Special commentator

    He's gone! England are not showing that permanence.

    Another breakthrough for Australia.

  8. wicket

    WICKET

    Bethell c Carey b Boland 10 (Eng 57-3)

    Oh, it's all going wrong.

    From 35-0, England are now 57-3. Jacob Bethell departs for 10, nicking through to the excellent Alex Carey.

    A wicket for Scott Boland after changing ends.

    Remember, England won the toss and chose to bat...

  9. Get Involved

    Click 'Get Involved' at the top of this page to have your say

    Another wicket straight after a boundary. Even my under 16s team know to be wary about it. So frustrating.

    Zain, Essex

  10. Glenn McGrath
    Ex-Australia bowler on BBC Test Match Special

    This is a pretty good cricket wicket compared to other grounds. Both teams should be able to score some runs.

    Australia wanted something in the first session and they have it so far. They will be happy with things at the moment.

  11. Eng 51-2

    Oh, that was so very nearly two in two balls for Australia. Joe Root flashes at one and is fortunate to see it miss his edge as it flies through to Alex Carey.

    The final ball of the over is defended solidly.

  12. Stephan Shemilt
    BBC Sport chief cricket reporter in Sydney

    Zak Crawley had changed his stance for this Test. He was much further across the stumps - his right foot (the back one) was even outside off stump. In theory, it helps not to waft outside the off stump - if the ball is outside the eyeline, its too wide to play. It would be a remedy for a player concerned about nicking off.

    Trouble is, if you then miss the straight ones, lbw is very much in the game.

  13. Glenn McGrath
    Ex-Australia bowler on BBC Test Match Special

    Zak Crawley of EnglandGetty Images

    That is taking a massive part of the bail. A good decision for me.

    Zak Crawley was looking good out there as well.

  14. wicket

    WICKET

    Crawley lbw b Neser 16 (Eng 51-2)

    It's umpire's call, hitting the top of leg stump.

    Zak Crawley, walking across, is out lbw for 16 (29).

  15. Glenn McGrath
    Ex-Australia bowler on BBC Test Match Special

    We are not in the best position to see here but it does look like height could be an issue.

  16. Jim Maxwell
    BBC Test Match Special commentator

    Zak Crawley does not look happy about that at all.

  17. England review

    Has Michael Neser picked up the second wicket of the morning?

    The umpire certainly thinks so, giving Zak Crawley out lbw.

    Crawley reviews.

  18. Get Involved

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    I’m not sure you can keep Ben Duckett in this team. He really does need to play some red-ball cricket. There was absolutely no need to consider playing that. Wave at it as it goes by. These bowlers are not rubbish.

    James in Sheffield.

  19. Glenn McGrath
    Ex-Australia bowler on BBC Test Match Special

    There is a little bit of movement in the air but not loads in the pitch. It is humid out there with the rain last night and you can feel the moisture.

  20. Eng 47-1

    Jacob Bethell of England batsGetty Images

    OHHHHHH. Mitchell Starc fires down a bouncer that Jacob Bethell ducks out of the way of at the last second. Travis Head, loitering around mid-wicket, flinches on Bethell's behalf.

    Two balls later, Bethell opens his account with a boundary, cutting nicely through point for four.