England's batters finally found their rhythm on the opening day of the fifth Ashes Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground, but the performance was tinged with regret as the series had already been decided. With the urn firmly in Australian hands, a brilliant unbeaten partnership of 154 runs between young gun Harry Brook and veteran Joe Root offered a glimpse of what might have been for the beleaguered tourists.
A Partnership of Promise at the SCG
Choosing to bat first, England reached a promising 3-211 before rain interrupted play just before the tea break on Sunday. The foundation of their total was a chanceless and commanding stand between number five Harry Brook, who was 78 not out off 92 balls, and former captain Joe Root, unbeaten on 72 from 103 deliveries. This partnership was not only the highlight of the day but became the most prolific stand for England in the entire series, surpassing their previous best by 37 runs.
Brook, widely seen as the future of English batting, showcased his aggressive style, including a memorable six off all-rounder Cameron Green. However, the 26-year-old emphasised a newfound balance in his approach. "I've just got to be a little bit more patient and take my ones here and there," Brook said. "It's just about staying in my own bubble really and not getting too far ahead."
Root's Masterclass and Missed Opportunities
At the other end, Joe Root played with classic precision, expertly targeting the area around third man. He is now closing in on a second Test century in Australia, having scored his first at the Gabba earlier in the series. The pair complemented each other perfectly through the middle session, each bringing up their half-centuries in the same over from part-time bowler Beau Webster.
The quality of their collaboration only served to underline the batting failures that cost England earlier in the series. The tourists had managed only two century stands prior to Sydney, with one of those featuring number ten batsman Jofra Archer, highlighting the top-order struggles. Their much-discussed 'Bazball' philosophy was put under the microscope as only Root managed a score over 100 in the first three Tests while the series was still alive.
Experts Reflect on What Could Have Been
The dominant feeling in commentary boxes and among pundits was one of missed opportunity. England great and Channel 7 commentator Stuart Broad captured the sentiment perfectly. "A wonderful partnership by two fine players ... England fans would just be hoping they might have seen it earlier in the summer," Broad said.
Former Australian Test leg-spinner Kerry O'Keeffe echoed this view, suggesting the series could have had a completely different narrative. "Amazing that if they'd done this earlier in the series, it could have a completely different shape," O'Keeffe told reporters. "But they're doing it when it's been resolved. Good for Australia of course, but it just shows you what might've been."
As the final Test continues, England will be left to ponder how a more consistent display of such resilient and skillful batting from their key players might have altered the destination of the Ashes urn.
