Harry Brook vows to be 'more patient' after helping England make strong start to fifth Ashes Test

Joe Root and Harry Brook produced England’s best partnership of a punishing Ashes series on day one of the final Test before being stopped in their tracks by the Sydney weather.

The Yorkshire duo came together with the tourists in familiar strife at 57 for three on Sunday, another sloppy start from the top order putting them under pressure at a sold-out SCG, and stitched together an unbroken stand of 154.

That took England to 211 for three and they were on the verge of turning a sturdy position into something even stronger when bad light and rain forced an early end to proceedings just before the tea break.

Root was the definition of calm control as he reeled off a mature 72 not out, with Brook – despite a few hairy moments – also more controlled as he moved to 78no.

“I've just got to be a little bit more patient and take my ones here and there, and thankfully I did that today,” Brook told reporters after the close of play.

“So that's something I've got to think about going forward and put that into my game. Try and be a little bit patient at times and absorb the pressure. And whether that's taking my ones instead of trying to hit boundaries, then so be it.

“It's been a ‌frustrating series,” he added. “I've been in double figures every innings bar one and that's ⁠what I've done so well in my career. I've managed to go on ⁠and get big scores.

“It just hasn't happened this series and there's obviously been periods where I've played them slightly differently and it's all part of the learning curve.

“It's not an easy place to come and tour. The surfaces do change every game and throughout the game. It's been a good trip to be a part of and obviously we've ended up on the wrong side of it, but hopefully there'll be plenty more time to come over here.”

It was the sixth time Root and Brook have put on a century together and, more importantly, England’s most productive alliance of a frustratingly low-scoring trip. Root was also involved in the previous best, adding 117 with Zak Crawley in Brisbane on his way to his first ton on Australian soil.

He will be desperate to follow suit on day two, banishing his demons Down Under once and for all, while Brook is chasing a first Ashes century in his 18th innings.

Between them the pair tamed a home attack featuring no specialist spinner at this ground for the first time since 1888.