England make early inroads in final test
Australian pace bowler Scott Boland was cleared to play the fifth Ashes test in Hobart, where England opted to bowl after making five changes to their XI for the series finale.
Jonny Bairstow, who suffered a thumb injury while helping the tourists salvage a draw in Sydney, has joined wicketkeeper Jos Buttler (broken finger) in being an enforced omission for the day-night test which began yesterday.
England have run out of patience with outof-form opener Haseeb Hameed, while Jimmy Anderson and Jack Leach have also been omitted.
Ben Stokes, who suffered a side strain at the SCG, will push through the pain barrier and play.
‘‘It is frustrating [that injuries have forced more changes]. It’s something we’ve had to battle throughout the whole pandemic,’’ Joe Root said after winning the toss. ‘‘Something we have tried to manage as best we can.
‘‘We have five days hard cricket where we can give a good account of ourselves. We have to take the opportunity.’’
The match began 30 minutes late because of a brief rain delay.
Rory Burns, who was axed in Melbourne by England’s selectors after a terrible start to series, has been recalled to open alongside Zak Crawley.
Ollie Pope will bat at No 6 in the absence of Bairstow, while Sam Billings will take the gloves on debut after being presented with his cap by veteran paceman Anderson.
Fast bowlers Chris Woakes and Ollie Robinson replaced Anderson and left-arm spinner Leach in a rejigged attack.
Pat Cummins noted at the toss that Australia ‘‘were probably going to have a bowl today’’. ‘‘Not too upset,’’ he said , after losing the toss.
England made early inroads exploiting the favourable bowling conditions and had Australia 12-3 after the first hour’s play.