AUSTRALIA snatched the initiative with a late rally to leave England on 233-5 at the end of day one of the Fifth Test.
A wonderful century stand between Dawid Malan and Joe Root looked to have saved the tourists after being 95-3, but two wickets in ten balls changed the course of the match as the shadows lengthened in Sydney.
Here are five key moments from another superb day of Test cricket from the SCG.
We’ll have a bat
ENGLAND haven’t had much luck when winning the toss in this series.
But this time, despite the cloud cover and favourable seaming conditions, Joe Root wasted no time in choosing to bat – which was vindicated when the sun came out following two hours of heavy showers.
The pitch began to crumble late in the day – and looks a batsman’s paradise with something for the spinners late in the Test.
England win the toss and opt to bat first in Sydney…
Join us from 1.40am on BT Sport 1 HD for the first ball of the fifth Test
#ItsTheAshes #Ashes pic.twitter.com/Of4ThE9Pr6
— The Ashes on BT Sport (@btsportcricket) January 4, 2018
Vincemeat
ONCE again, James Vince looked a Test quality batsman.
Until he got to the mid 20s and got himself out cheaply. Again.
England have a major decision to make at No3, with the clearly talented Vince seemingly losing his concentration far too easily.
This dismissal was one of the laziest of the tour, slashing at a wide one from Cummins and edging behind. Very soft.
WHAT. A. SHOT
That James Vince cover drive is a thing of beauty! Not to mention against Mitchell Starc
#ItsTheAshes #Ashes pic.twitter.com/FOePjrhgoE
— The Ashes on BT Sport (@btsportcricket) January 4, 2018
Cummins at the double!
James Vince departs for 25 and England are 88-2 in Sydney.
BT Sport 1 HD pic.twitter.com/DTSicicPI4
— The Ashes on BT Sport (@btsportcricket) January 4, 2018
Cook at boiling point
ALASTAIR COOK saw Mark Stoneman and Vince come and go – but looked to have just continued from that 244* at Melbourne.
He was knocking it to all parts at his own pace, whilst showing the grit and determination that he has demonstrated through his 151 Test career.
It took a special ball to get him – and Josh Hazlewood was the man to do it.
The Aussies needed a review and it couldn’t have been closer, the ball landing millimetres inside the line and trapping the former skipper LBW.
Alastair Cook is gone!
Josh Hazlewood strikes and Cook leaves the SCG just five runs short of 12,000 Test runs.
— The Ashes on BT Sport (@btsportcricket) January 4, 2018
Yorkie spirit
JOE ROOT’s innings was brilliantly crafted and he and Dawid Malan dominated the long, three-hour evening session after tea.
He was quick on the pull, intelligent with his singles and watchful at all times.
The England captain looked sure of breaking this conversion theory and racking up a well-earned ton…
Lovely drive
Joe Root brings up his 50 in style! What a stroke!
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— The Ashes on BT Sport (@btsportcricket) January 4, 2018
Horror show
BUT never underestimate this Aussie side.
After a day of struggling to do anything with the ball and lacking in pace, Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood came good just 15 minutes from the end of play.
Forcing Root into a careless shot, they got the England skipper caught at square-leg, before the decision not to send in a nightwatchman cost the tourists dear.
Hazlewood had one over at Bairstow and sent the SCG ballistic by finding his outside edge. What should’ve been England’s day was suddenly the Aussies – who made sure they knew it.
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