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The Unplayable Podcast · Cricket Australia

Sydney D1: Rain stalls Root, Brook as English finally fight

·20 min·1 clip
Australia hasn't played a spinner at the SCG in 137 years—what does that say about today's pitch?
This episode covers the rain-affected first day of the Sydney Ashes Test, hosted by cricket journalists Josh Honofinger and Louis Cameron. They analyze England's batting performance and Australia's bowling selections after only 45 overs of play. The hosts discuss the disappointing rain delays that impacted a massive crowd of over 53,000 people at the SCG. They note this is the first time in 137 years Australia hasn't fielded a spinner at the SCG, referencing historical scorecards from 1887-88. Australia's pace attack took three early wickets, with Mitchell Starc, Scott Boland, and Josh Hazlewood each claiming one. Ben Duckett scored 27 off 24 balls before edging Stark, continuing a poor series where he averages 17.8. Zak Crawley's more watchful 16 showcased an adjusted method from his Perth approach. Joe Root and Harry Brook built an unbroken 154-run partnership, England's largest of the series, with both batsmen not out in the 70s. Brook survived several risky moments, including a sky-hook that landed between fielders and French cuts early in his innings. Root played a missed cover drive on his first ball but later expertly found gaps, notably placing balls past a deep third man fielder. Australia employed a persistent short-ball plan against Brook, setting a field with multiple boundary riders. The hosts find it curious that Root, a player with over 10,000 Test runs, has often attempted aggressive drives early in innings on difficult pitches this series. They contrast Duckett's struggles with Crawley's development, noting Crawley is now England's series run-scorer despite a modest average. Mitchell Starc reached 27 series wickets, nearing Pat Cummins's 2019 tally of 29, but showed no celebration after dismissing Duckett. The episode has a conversational and analytical tone, blending statistical deep dives with on-field observations and lighthearted banter. The style is relaxed yet informative, typical of post-day sports recap shows. Cricket enthusiasts and Ashes followers would enjoy this detailed breakdown of the day's key performances and tactical decisions. Listeners seeking broader narrative storytelling or those uninterested in technical cricket analysis might find it less engaging.

As heard by us

A wet Sydney opener with enough batting talk and match texture to make the delay feel worthwhile.

Rain is still the main story at Sydney, but the episode stays lively because Josh Honofinger and Louis Cameron keep the focus on what the weather actually did to the day.

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Why you'd press play

Need a wet SCG recap that still keeps the batting context in view?

Read the full recommendation in PlayNext →
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