Australia 126/3 on rainy day

Sydney, January 5

The fourth Ashes Test sprung to life late on Day 1 after sweeping showers threatened to dampen the prospects of both teams for a positive start here today.

After rain delays permitted only 21 completed overs in the opening two sessions, runs and wickets came more frequently in the final passage of play after tea as Australia reached 126/3 at stumps. Steve Smith was unbeaten on six and Usman Khawaja was four not out when rain ended play for the day.

Veteran seamer Stuart Broad, recalled to the England team after being omitted for the third Test in Melbourne, went some way to vindicating his selection by dismissing David Warner and generally appearing the most threatening bowler in the England attack, finishing the day with 1/34.

Harris and Warner added 50 for the first wicket before Broad made the breakthrough for England in the 21st over, teasing Warner to the front foot and finding the edge which carried comfortably through to Zak Crawley at second slip for his 527th wicket in 151 matches. It was the eighth time Broad has captured Warner’s wicket over the past seven Ashes Tests that the fast bowler has played in. — AP/PTI