Jimmy, Wood strike late on rain-hit day

Anderson after dismissing Australia’s Marcus Harris yesterday. Pic/Getty Images

James Anderson and Mark Wood hit back late on a rain-marred opening day to give beleaguered England some hope in the fourth Ashes Test at Sydney Cricket Ground on Wednesday.

Australia, holding an unassailable 3-0 series lead, looked in a strong position at 111 for one before pacemen Anderson and Wood struck in the space of seven balls. At stumps, after only 46.5 overs were possible following four rain interruptions, Australia were 126-3 with Steven Smith on six and Usman Khawaja, playing in his first Test since 2019, unbeaten on four.

Marcus Harris, coming off his 76 in Melbourne, batted obdurately for his 38 off 109 balls before he was stuck on the crease and nicked Anderson to Joe Root at slip. In the next over Wood, charging in, got the prized wicket of Marnus Labuschagne for 28, leaving Australia at 117-3. Wood angled one back off a length and Labuschagne, looking to defend from the crease, edged to Jos Buttler in a crucial double breakthrough for England - and put Australia under pressure.

Brief scores
Australia 126-3 (M Harris 38, D Warner 30) v England

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