Australia had plenty to smile about in the last two overs of the day

Image courtesy of: Zimbio

Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood took out England captain Joe Root and wicketkeeper Jonny Bairstow in successive overs right at the end of the first day to hand Australia a slight advantage going into the second day of the fifth Ashes Test in Sydney.

After inclement weather delayed the start of the match, England opted to bat first, but opener Mark Stoneman was on his way back to the pavilion early on as he was caught behind off the bowling of Pat Cummins for 24.

Alastair Cook and James Vince made up for the loss of Stoneman with a 60-run partnership before Vince, who scored 25, suffered the same fate.

Cook went on to make 39 before he was trapped lbw off the bowling of Josh Hazlewood. Cook was not given out initially, but Australia’s decision to review the decision paid off as replays showed that the ball was pitching in line and going on to hit middle stump.

Despite losing Vince and Cook in quick succession, Root and Dawid Malan stabilised the innings with a 133-run partnership, during which both batsmen surpassed their half-centuries.

However, with the day drawing to a close, Root suffered a lapse in concentration as he was caught by Mitchell Marsh at square leg off the bowling of Starc for 83, which came off 141 balls and included eight boundaries.

The very next over, Bairstow’s time at the crease came to an end as he was caught behind off the bowling of Hazlewood for five runs.

As soon as Bairstow was dismissed, the umpire’s decided to bring play to an end for the day. That left Malan unbeaten on 55, which came off 160 deliveries and included five boundaries.

Hazlewood and Cummins picked up two wickets apiece, while Starc chipped in with one.

England ended day one on 233/5 and will continue batting on Friday at 10:30 local time or 23:30 GMT (the day before).