Stuart Broad wins battle with David Warner on rain-affected first day in Sydney

The tourists fought hard for an even position on a day where the real battle was against the elements.

Stuart Broad continued his happy hunting of David Warner on a rain-affected first day of the fourth Ashes Test, with a pair of late breakthroughs lifting English spirits.

Desperate to conjure a face-saving comeback at the Sydney Cricket Ground after losing the urn following three one-sided matches, the tourists fought hard for an even position on a day where the real battle was against the elements.

Broad marked his recall to the side by dismissing old rival Warner for the 13th time in between showers, more than any other bowler.

But Australia were on the verge of controlling matters once again, reaching an impressive 111 for one before England rallied late on.

James Anderson forced the issue, ending Marcus Harris’ diligent stay, before Mark Wood’s pace powered through the defences of the world’s number one batter Marnus Labuschagne to make it 126 for three at stumps.

Just 46.5 overs had been possible in the opening stanza of the New Year Test, but for the first time in the series England left the field with a genuine foothold in the game.