Joe Root and Harry Brook impressed as England made a strong start to the final Ashes Test, though day one was hindered by bad light and weather.

Only 45 overs were played on Sunday due to rain and lightning, with England recovering well to reach 211-3 after a stumble at the start of their innings.

The tourists looked in danger of another disappointing outing as they were dropped to 57-3 at the end of the 13th over, with Ben Duckett (27) caught behind off Mitchell Starc early on.

Zak Crawley was then trapped lbw in the 12th over for 16, with Jacob Bethell following closely behind as he was caught on 10 by Alex Carey.

But Root and Brook steadied the ship as they combined for an unbroken 154, England's highest partnership of the series so far.

Root plundered a superb 72, leaving him on course for just a second century in Australia, while Brook struck 78 as they took advantage of their hosts' wayward bowling.

Bad light stopped proceedings in the early afternoon before the rain started, and even though the conditions improved, play was abandoned, with Root and Brook set to pick up where they left off on day two.

Stumps in Sydney.

A rain-affected day one comes to a close. pic.twitter.com/wdJKjWNIWL

— England Cricket (@englandcricket) January 4, 2026

Data Debrief: Root and Brook weather the storm

Root and Brook have shared five 100-plus stands in Tests, and this could prove to be one of the most important.

It is the joint-most of any England pair since Brook's debut, along with Crawley and Duckett, while their 154-run partnership is the second highest of the series so far, behind only Travis Head and Carey's 162 (Adelaide).

Australia are undefeated in their last three men's Tests against England at the Sydney Cricket Ground (W2 D1), but they have work to do on day two to keep that run going.