Sky Sports Cricket Podcast The Ashes Daily: Root and Brook put England on top on day one in stormy Sydney
Jan 4, 2026
The review kicks off with a rainy disruption as play is stopped after 45 overs. England's strong start at 211-3 is highlighted, with Joe Root and Harry Brook praised for their solid partnership. The discussion shifts to Australia's curious decision to go with an all-seam attack, raising eyebrows about the lack of spin at the SCG. Insights into pitch conditions and captaincy choices reveal strategic considerations. Lastly, there's a lively debate about crowd energy and Australia's competitive spirit.
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Spin Decline Shapes One-Dimensional Cricket
- The pitch and selection choices made Sydney's Test more seam-oriented than spin-heavy, partly due to injuries and changing ground preparation.
- Atherton argues this has made the series one-dimensional and reduced skill variety across matches.
Grounds' Uniformity Narrows Match Variety
- Ground preparation and drop-in wickets have made Australian surfaces more uniform and less varied across venues.
- Atherton warns this reduces test-match variety and limits demonstrations of the full range of cricketing skills.
Pick For The Match, Not Just Day One
- Consider pitch conditions for both the first and last days when selecting a squad, not just day one impressions.
- Nass and Atherton emphasise foreseeing dry, cracking surfaces that favour seamers late in matches.