How did Day 1 of the 5th Ashes Test go between Australia vs England? — Review, Turning Points & more
Only 45 overs could be bowled on a day which was dominated by England in the fifth Test of the 2025-26 Ashes. Bad light, rain and thunder & lightning had the final say as the tourists ended up on 211/3 at Stumps.
England, after winning the toss, looked to be in some trouble after the first three batters were dismissed by the 13th over. Mitchell Starc, Michael Neser and Scott Boland picked up one wicket apiece.
Joe Root and Harry Brook steadied the ship from that point onwards. The duo ensured runs were scored at a decent click and gave minimal chances to the opposition. They got their half-centuries in the same over and looked in charge of proceedings.
As soon as the 45th over concluded, the players had to make their way off the field as the covers came on. Root and Brook ended up unbeaten on 72* (103) and 78* (92), respectively. Inclement weather conditions meant play had to be stopped indefinitely.
Top batting performances — Harry Brook
Harry Brook’s enterprising innings comprised six fours and one six. Brook was the aggressor during his stand with Root. The Australian bowlers were not able to threaten Brook while he was at the crease.
Slapped🥵 pic.twitter.com/lYL6MEu9Bc
— Bazball™️ (@BazballNation) January 4, 2026
Top bowling performances — Michael Neser
Michael Neser conceded only 36 runs in 10 overs while picking up one wicket. The dismissal was that of Zak Crawley. Crawley was trapped right in front by a ball which nipped inwards off the seam. Neser was the most economical bowler out of all the five Australian bowlers who were employed.
Michael Neser has got Zak Crawley for a third time this series!
Follow the #Ashes live: https://t.co/jfYWTZcpyR pic.twitter.com/hK0tsCH1Zg
— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) January 4, 2026
Records Broken and Major Milestones Achieved
- Duckett was dismissed by Starc for the fifth time this series.
- Duckett registered his eighth sub-30 score this series. He has played nine innings so far.
- This was Root’s first half-century and second 50-plus score this series.
![[WATCH] IND vs NZ 2026: Virat Kohli gifts signed jersey to Daryl Mitchell after third ODI](https://cricketmood.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Kohli-Mitchell.jpg "[WATCH] IND vs NZ 2026: Virat Kohli gifts signed jersey to Daryl Mitchell after third ODI 5")
India
