Having endured a nine-wicket loss in Brisbane, a 275-run loss in the day-night Test in Adelaide and the thumping innings and 14-run defeat in the Boxing Day Test, COVID-19 ravaged England aim to bounce back at the Sydney Cricket Ground, the venue of the fourth Ashes Test from Wednesday. But the Day 1 of the fourth Test was hit by several rain interruptions. First, the toss was delayed by 30 minutes. Just after 12.3 overs in the first session, the rain gods came again halting play. Australia eased to the 50-run mark before Stuart Broad dismissed David Warner for the 13th time in Test cricket. Play stopped once again as the rain ate up the rest of the first session along with the session too calling in early Tea. Marcus Harris and Marnus Labuschagne then stitched together a 60-run stand for the second wicket before James Anderson and Mark Wood brought England back into the game dismissing both. Only 46.5 overs were possible on the day. Australia are leading the series 3-0. Get highlights of AUS vs ENG fourth Ashes Test.
13:01 PM IST: Day 1 stumps
Rain comes again and the umpires have decided to call it a day. Still more than half an hour left in the day's play. Australia finish Day 1 at 126/3. Only 46.5 overs were possible on the day. Usman Khawaja and Steve Smith remain unbeaten at 4 and 6 respectively.
12:35 PM IST: AUS 3 down
Two quick wickets and two new batters in the middle. James Anderson packs Marcus Harris for 38 while Marnus Labushagne falls to Mark Wood for 28. Australia 117/3
11:55 AM IST: Century for Australia
100 up for Australia. The home side looks solid once again as they have been doing in the series. Marcus Harris (36*) and Marnus Labuschagne (21*) have so far negated the England bowling attack.
11:17 AM IST: Play resumes
Play has begun with Marcus Harris and Marnus Labuschangne leading the Australian charge. Australia 80/1.
10:50 AM IST: Players come out
The players on the field along with the floodlights. Play to go on till 1.30 PM IST.
10:39 AM IST: More rain
Just as it was expected for the play to resume, the rain gods have opened up once again.
10:12 AM IST: Tea break
The rain hasn't stopped. From slight drizzle to steady rain and now it has become heavy.
8:53 AM IST: Rain stops play
Rain stops play again and the covers are on. The groundstaff have covered the square. Meanwhile, Stuart Broad has dismissed David Warner for 30 just before the rain came down. It was the 13th time that Broad has dismissed Warner in Tests. Australia 56/1
8:34 AM IST: 50 up for Australia
Australia have crossed the 50-run mark in 20 overs. Marcus Harris is batting on 13 while David Warner is unbeaten on 30. Australia 50/0
7:18 AM IST: Lunch break
It's raining again here in Sydney and lunch has been announced. Only 12.3 overs have been possible in the first session. Australia 30/0.
Meanwhile, Bangladesh have created history at the Bay Oval as they defeated New Zealand for the first time ever in their own backyard. Bangladesh won by 8 wickets to take 1-0 lead in the two-match Test series.
6:54 AM IST: AUS go slow
Rain is playing catch and go in Sydney. After the toss was delayed, the rain gods came once again for a brief period. The good news is that play has started. Australia 27/0. Marcus Harris and David Warner are opening for the hosts
5:45 AM IST: Playing XIs
England: Haseeb Hameed, Zak Crawley, Dawid Malan, Joe Root(c), Ben Stokes, Jonny Bairstow, Jos Buttler(w), Mark Wood, Jack Leach, Stuart Broad, James Anderson
Australia: Marcus Harris, David Warner, Marnus Labuschagne, Steven Smith, Usman Khawaja, Cameron Green, Alex Carey(w), Pat Cummins(c), Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Scott Boland
5:44 AM IST: Toss
Australia have won the toss and they will bat first.
