Joe Root’s SCG century pushed him level with Ricky Ponting on the all-time Test list. The hundred underlined his dominance in the Ashes and England’s strong position in the series finale.

Brendon McCullum stole the spotlight on the first day of the fifth Ashes Test, but not for anything to do with cricket. England enjoyed one of their better days of the series on Sunday, as Joe

Joe Root continued his Midas touch in Test cricket as he slammed his 41st hundred in the format during the fifth Ashes Test in Sydney. Root has now equalled Ricky Ponting in a major record in Test cricket.

Follow all the action from Sydney Cricket Ground as England put on strong first inninngs in the final Ashes test. England enjoyed one of their better days of the series on Sunday, with a 154-run stand between Joe Root and Harry Brook helping them to 211 for 3 before the opening day was brought to a premature end.

Tourists resumed on 211-3 in the series finale at the SCG. Join our writers for updates

England has won the toss and chosen to bat first against Australia in the final Ashes test at the Sydney Cricket Ground.

England looking for back-to-back wins after two-day victory in Boxing Day game at MCG; Australia have retained Ashes, lead 3-1 after victories in first three Tests at Perth, Brisbane and Adelaide; Usm

Australia collapsed for 152 yet still claimed a 42-run lead over England on the first innings in a remarkable opening day of the fourth Ashes test in which 20 wickets fell.

Spinner Todd Murphy will have to wait to find out if he will get his first taste of test cricket on home soil on Sunday after captain Steve Smith said Australia were keeping options open for the fifth Ashes clash with England.