Ashes 2017/18: 5th Test, Day 1 - 5 things we learnt from the day
Wickets of Joe Root and Johnny Bairstow late in the day gave Australia the advantage heading into stumps on Day 1 of the fifth and final Ashes Test at Sydney. After rain washed out the first session, Australia made quick inroads in the second, sending back Mark Stoneman and James Vince early courtesy a fiery Pat Cummins.
Alastair Cook fell to a shrewd review by the hosts but Joe Root and Dawid Malan resurrected the innings with a 133-run partnership. England's joy didn't last long, though, as Mitchell Starc sent them spiralling down by dismissing Joe Root for 83, his 17th unconverted half-century in the last 20 times he crossed 50. Hazlewood then snared Johnny Bairstow to push England back at stumps.
#5 Stoneman teases to thrive before floundering
Mark Stoneman has a special bond with Sydney. The city gave him the love of his life and he had spoken about it even in the press conferences before the final Test of the series. On the field, he stayed true to Sydney with some pristine shots all around in the first few overs.
But Mitchell Starc started a bouncer barrage against the southpaw that put him in all kinds of discomfort. He hadn't quite handled the short balls well this series and it showed, as his scoring areas were cut out by the extra zip and bounce. Although he raced away at a run a ball, Cummins eventually snapped him up with a short ball.