Hello everyone. There's just one final chapter left to be written in this Ashes series. The urn is Australia's but can they pile further misery on England by completing a 5-0 whitewash? England will be desperate to avoid a defeat in Sydney. They've responded to four successive defeats by making big changes.

Alastair Cook has been a busy man this morning. The England captain has handed out three caps to players making their debut at the Sydney Cricket Ground. Gary Ballance, Scott Borthwick and Boyd Rankin will all pull on the Test shirts for the first time.

ENGLAND WIN THE TOSS AND WILL BOWL FIRST: Cook finally calls correctly and chooses to bowl first on a pitch which should offer some encouragement to the bowlers today. Tim Bresnan makes way for Rankin and Monty Panesar is replaced by Borthwick. However, the biggest team news is surely that Joe Root has been dropped in favour of Ballance.

Ballance was expected to make his debut in this match but most people were expecting Michael Carberry to lose his place at the top of the order. There will certainly be a lot of debate surrounding that decision over the next five days. Ian Bell will move up the batting lineup to three, with Ballance slotting in at five.

Michael Clarke confirms at the toss that his side is unchanged once again. Australia have kept faith with the same team for every Test match and you can't really blame them. A convincing series victory is secured but the hosts will be eager to make history and secure a whitewash.

It's certainly no surprise to see Cook elect to bowl first at Sydney. There's a lot of grass on the pitch and the ground staff have suggested this week that the bowlers will get a lot of help over the first couple of days. England need to make a good start today.

AUSTRALIA: Warner, Rogers, Watson, Clarke, Smith, Bailey, Haddin, Johnson, Harris, Siddle, Lyon

ENGLAND: Cook, Carberry, Bell, Pietersen, Ballance, Stokes, Bairstow, Borthwick, Broad, Anderson, Rankin

It's certainly a big match for quite a few England players. Carberry has been backed ahead of Root and he needs to display his obvious quality at the top of the order to avoid this tour being his last in an England shirt. Very few people would be surprised if Root was opening the batting alongside Cook when the series with Sri Lanka begins in June.

Cook tells Australia's Channel 9 at the toss: "There's a lot of hope for the future. Gary has scored a lot of runs in county cricket, Scotty played in a Championship-winning team at Durham, and big Boyd Rankin has done well for us in one-day cricket."

Ballance's time to shine will come later in the game but Rankin and Borthwick must both deliver with the ball today. Borthwick's leg-spin could prove to be a big weapon in this match, especially if it turns in the second innings but he'll know that the hosts will attack him when he is thrown the ball for the first time. Rankin's pace and bounce can cause problems for any batsman, which is why he was tipped to make his debut in Perth. There's a lot of pressure on him to fill that third seamer spot.

There's not too many superlatives you can use to describe this Australia side. They looked like a team in disarray earlier in the year but not many people will be backing against them over the next five days. It won't be easy for the batsmen today. Both sides are on their way out to the field now.

As always, David Warner's performance will be key in the first innings. However, England will also be wary of Chris Rogers, who showed a different side to his game when he struck a fluent century to lead Australia to victory in the fourth Test. After electing to field first, Cook will want to pick up at least two or three wickets in the first session.

Both national anthems have been sung, so the action is now just moments away. Can England end this series by offering their supporters something to cheer at the start of 2014?

Cook is probably beginning to run out of team talks but he manages to find the words for his players out in the middle before throwing the ball to Jimmy Anderson, who will bowl the first over of the match. Rogers is on strike. Play!

Anderson directs his first three balls at the pads but he's slightly too short to Rogers. A wider delivery allows Rogers to watch the ball pass him by on its way to Jonny Bairstow. Would you believe it? Ballance, on his Test debut, has been given the honour of fielding at short-leg. I'm sure he's delighted. Good start from Anderson. It's a maiden.

Warner is surprised when his first ball hits the bat higher than he expected. Broad, who takes the new cherry with Anderson, will definitely be encouraged by that delivery. The seamer is on his own appealing for lbw when he strikes Warner with a fuller ball. Easy decision for Marais Erasmus. It's pitched outside leg-stump. Warner gets off the mark with a push into the off-side for a couple of runs. Steady start at the SCG.

This pitch is certainly one you would expect Anderson to enjoy bowling on. He's still battling with his length, though. Rogers collects his first four runs with a thick edge past Borthwick, who dives to his left at third slip with no success. Just the boundary from the over. Rogers 4 Warner 2*

Shot! Broad wants to see Warner driving but he would prefer it didn't result in the opener drilling the ball to the rope for four runs. Warner is then surprised by one that bounces a bit more than he expected but his cut shot beats the diving Carberry at point and earns him four more. Broad's mood is not improved when the left-handed batsman scores four again with another superb shot down the ground. A single makes it 13 from the fourth over. Rogers 4 Warner 15*

Cook takes a step backward by taking Ballance away from short-leg, with Anderson looking for more cover on the leg-side. The third ball of the over nips away to beat Warner, who was hanging his bat outside edge with no obvious aim. It looks like there's some movement out there but England's opening bowlers haven't settled on the best length yet. Maiden over.

Rogers takes advantage of a straight delivery from Broad to flick a single to fine-leg. Warner miscues a shot off the back foot but he still manages to earn a run to mid-off. A hint of movement almost troubles Rogers, who nudges another single just wide of Rankin at mid-on.

Brilliant from Broad. He persists with a fuller length despite being hit for three boundaries in the last over and he gets his reward as England pick up their first wicket. Warner is looking to drive the ball down the ground again but a lack of foot movement results in his off-stump being punished. Key wicket for the tourists.

Watson comes to the crease to replace Warner and he starts his innings by driving a half-volley to the rope for four runs. Broad will be disappointed with that ball to the new batsman. Rogers 6* Watson 4

Rogers never seems to be too bothered about the situation and he continues to go about his business by picking up two runs late on in Anderson's over. Cook will be desperate for his senior bowler to find some form. Rogers 8 Watson 4*

Broad starts the over with an improved length to the right-handed Watson, who takes a big step forward to push a couple of runs through extra cover. England launch another lbw appeal but umpire Erasmus once again shakes his head. Watson lunged forward far enough to get outside the line of off-stump. Broad almost sneaks another ball onto the pad but a thick inside edge hands Australia's number three a single on the leg-side. Three off the over.

Watson is more than happy to leave when Anderson settles on a good line just outside off-stump. The seamer strays onto the pads late in the over to gift the batsman a single down to fine-leg. Cook will probably turn to Rankin or Stokes to replace Anderson. Just one from the over.

Stokes is introduced to the attack, but to replace Broad. Shot! Watson greets the new bowler by sending an over-pitched delivery to the extra cover boundary for four runs. The Durham all-rounder improves his length as the over progresses to make sure Watson does not add to his tally. Rogers 8* Watson 12

Anderson, operating from around the wicket, is still a touch too short to Rogers. The opener is able to stay on the back foot to nudge a single into the leg-side. There's quite a few interruptions in the over due to the small sight-screen at the SCG. Australia making steady progress following Warner's dismissal.

Rogers struggles to time a couple of shots early in the over but he finds the middle of the bat to pick up a run behind square on the leg-side. Watson splits the field on the off-side again to earn three runs to deep cover. Rankin looks set to come on for his first bowl in Test cricket.

Rankin is almost gifted a wicket with his first ball when Watson chases a wider one. The Warwickshire bowler causes more problems when Australia's number three is forced to take evasive action to avoid a shorter ball from the tall seamer. A miscued cut shot is well stopped by Borthwick at third slip but Watson does find the gap to earn three through mid-wicket. Promising start from Rankin. Time for a drinks break.

England fans will be happy, but perhaps not surprised, to see Rankin getting so much bounce in his first over. Watson didn't look comfortable and it looks like we're in for a good battle between those two. England need to pick up at least one more wicket before lunch.

Stokes produces a beauty to beat the outside edge at the start of a new over. There's some good carry for the all-rounder outside off-stump, with Watson being forced into a couple of leaves. The batsman continues to look uncomfortable as he sees a leading edge land safely on the off-side. Great over from Stokes. Maiden. Rogers 10* Watson 18

Rogers misses out when he fails to punish Rankin for drifting down the leg-side. A slightly shorter ball is clipped through fine-leg for one before another wayward leg-side delivery gifts the hosts four byes. Watson steals the strike at the end of the over with a quick single. Rogers 11 Watson 19*

Watson flicks the ball off his pads to earn a single to fine-leg.

Look away now, Mr Rogers. The opener attempts to pull a ball that doesn't invite the shot and the luck goes against him as a bottom edge hits the pad, before rolling onto the stumps. Stokes doesn't care how they come. Australia two down with 45 minutes left in the session. Clarke in next.

Clarke is off the mark immediately with a quick single to cover. Watson's power is obvious to everyone in the SCG when his miscued pull shot reaches the rope to hand him four runs. Watson 24 Clarke 1*

Clarke misses with a pull shot when Rankin pulls his length back slightly. Good defence on show from the Australian skipper and he finds his second run of the innings to deep square-leg. England must keep the pressure on. If Clarke is allowed to get in, he'll punish the tourists.

Close! Clarke calls for a risky single with a push to point and he almost pays the ultimate price. The quick Carberry does well in the field and he's inches away from dismissing the Australian with a throw at the stumps. Watson throws everything at a full delivery from the returning Broad but the ball does just enough to beat the outside edge. England will be happy to see him playing those loose drives.

Clarke opens the face of the bat to guide a single through point. Shot! Superb timing from Watson to pick the gap at mid-wicket and earn four. Rankin comes back well with a couple of balls that bounce a bit more. Bairstow handles the extra bounce well behind the stumps. Five from the over.

Broad is testing Clarke with the short ball but the Australian captain seems to grow in confidence against the bouncers unless he's removed early on. England are given the perfect example of this when Clarke stands tall to pull Broad away for four runs. Superb shot. A single makes it five from the over. Watson 28 Clarke 9*

Stokes is not left out of the attack for long as Cook brings back the all-rounder to replace Rankin. Clarke times a straight drive well but Stokes gets a hand on the ball to keep him on strike. A no-ball follows when Stokes clips the bails at the non-striker's end and Clarke adds another behind square on the leg-side. Watson takes advantage of a full-toss drill the ball down the ground for four. Six from the over.

Good bowling from Broad, who nips the ball back at Clarke on a couple of occasions in a maiden over. England would love another wicket before the lunch interval but it is pretty even at the SCG in the first session.

Stokes seems to have been taking too many tips from Steven Finn as he commits another no-ball by flicking the bails off with his hand. Watson drives the next delivery through the covers for three runs.

Big wicket! Stokes hits the perfect length to catch the outside edge and Clarke is forced to depart when Bell takes a routine catch at second slip. Cook is rewarded for keeping faith with Stokes and England are on top now.

Smith blocks his first ball before getting off the mark in style with a fine drive through the covers for four runs. It's still a successful over for Stokes, who has picked up two wickets in the first session.

Close! Anderson returns and he's inches away from taking a wicket when Watson fails to guide a wider ball over the slips. Oh, dear. Not a great moment for Cook as Watson edges the ball through the vacant third-slip region where Borthwick has been for most of the day. Another attacking shot outside off-stump sends the ball over Stokes at gully and hands Watson four more runs. Big appeal for lbw from Anderson but Erasmus is correct in suggesting that the ball was heading over the stumps. Eight runs from an eventful over. Watson 43 Smith 4*

Cook needs to remain positive even when these two begin to attack the seamers. Shot! Smith's intentions are obvious as he drives Stokes to the rope for his second boundary. The all-rounder keeps it tight for the remaining deliveries to reduce Smith's scoring options. There's time for one more over in the session.

Superb from Stokes at gully to prevent Watson from scoring more runs with one of his trademark cut shots. England launch an lbw appeal when Anderson strikes the pad, with Watson choosing to leave the ball. Cook, Bairstow and Anderson have a quick chat but the ball didn't do enough for the seamer.

Easy decision for Erasmus this time! Anderson nips one back to hit the front pad and Watson knows he's on his way before the umpire even raises his finger. What a way for the tourists to end the session. England are in charge at the SCG.

LUNCH: England end the session successfully as the umpires send the players in following Watson's dismissal. Cook will be absolutely delighted but he knows the tourists must take advantage after lunch.

Incredibly, that was the first time England have earned an lbw decision in this series. For once, it's the tourists who look the more confident side. Join me in around 35 minutes to see if Australia will fight back.

Welcome back everyone. England haven't been on top often enough in this series but they're in control after one session of this Test match. Broad and Anderson both claimed a wicket in the first session, with all-rounder Stoke grabbing the other two as Australia slipped to 94-4. England cannot afford to hand the advantage back to the hosts.

It's been a thrilling start to the final Ashes Test. Despite losing four wickets, Australia scored quickly throughout the 25.4 overs but Watson's departure after making 43 does change the look of this innings. Smith (8*) will be joined by George Bailey at the crease for the second session.

Bailey comes into this match under a little bit of pressure. There were rumours earlier today that James Faulkner might replace him in the team but he's managed to keep his place. He'll know that he needs a big score ahead of the series with South Africa later in the year.

Bailey has two balls to face at the end of Anderson's over. Everyone seems ready at the SCG. Play!

Bailey is off the mark immediately with a single behind square on the leg-side. Smith is happy to leave the final ball of the over. Smith 8 Bailey 1*

Broad takes the ball from the other end and immediately settles on a full length to Bailey. Close! The seamer produces a beauty to nip the ball past the outside edge, before beating the bat again moments later with one that holds its line. Superb bowling from Broad. Bailey looks edgy at the crease. Maiden over.

A thick edge saves Smith from a possible lbw decision but he quickly finds the middle of the bat to flick the next ball to fine-leg for two runs. Anderson moves the ball back in again to hit the thigh pad. England's bowlers are looking very dangerous in the early stages of this session.

Broad strikes! Bailey's weakness outside off-stump is clearer than ever when he edges the ball to Cook, who juggles for a moment before taking the catch at first slip. England get their reward for being on target after lunch. One of the men of the series, Brad Haddin, is in next.

Broad makes life difficult for Haddin early in his innings, with the batsman almost getting in trouble when he gets square on at the crease. Cook will be delighted to see his bowler in such good rhythm. Testing times for Australia. It's a wicket maiden.

The ball seems to be doing a bit more off the pitch early in this session as Smith leaves one which just nips back slightly to plant another seed of doubt in the batsman's mind. Anderson completes a maiden as England continue to pile on the pressure. Haddin has saved his team a couple of times in this series. Is it too much to ask for him to do it again?

Shot! Haddin gets off the mark in style with a textbook straight drive for four runs. Broad surprises the batsman later in the over when a delivery keeps low to miss the inside edge by just a couple of inches. Haddin is then forced to take evasive action when Broad fires in a fierce bouncer. Good comeback following the early boundary. Smith 10* Haddin 4

Anderson wants lbw when Smith once again leaves a delivery that nips back. It's too high, so Erasmus shakes his head. A miscued shot earns Smith a single to deep square-leg. Haddin pushes the ball to Rankin on the off-side and takes the chance to collect a run. Another lbw appeal follows later in the over when Smith leaves again but the umpire still isn't interested. Too high, Jimmy.

It's going to be important how Stokes and Rankin bowl when Cook makes a change. The pressure is on at the moment but the tourists cannot afford to gift these two any easy runs. A fraction of width invites an attacking shot from Haddin, who manages to avoid the four slips and pick up four runs. England shouldn't be too worried about seeing that shot. Haddin sneaks a single at the end of the over to keep the strike.

Bairstow dives down the leg-side to get a hand on a ball that strikes Haddin on the hip. It's starting to look like the Anderson of old as he nips one back at 87mph to worry the batsman again. REVIEW! England appeal for everything when a catch is taken in the slips after Anderson had already appealed for lbw. Erasmus shakes his head once again but Cook decides to review. Haddin survives! Hotspot confirms there was no bat involved and the ball hit the pad too high up for the lbw to be given. England lose a review. Good umpiring. Anderson is bowling a brilliant line. Just one run from the over. Smith 11 Haddin 10*

Cook makes his first change of the session as Rankin comes on to replace Broad. Haddin picks up a couple of runs early in the over. Rankin hits the bat hard with some extra bounce but he fails to find the same movement as Broad and Anderson have done since lunch. It's a different threat but one that could prove to be very valuable as this match goes on. Smith 11* Haddin 12

Smith pushes a full delivery through the covers for a single. Haddin targets a single behind point but Stokes makes the ground from gully to keep him on strike. Anderson manages to complete another tight over but his spell will probably be over now. Cook might turn to Stokes but I wonder if he'll consider throwing the ball to Borthwick for the first time.

Smith defends at the start of the over before shuffling across the crease to nudge a single into the leg-side. Rankin has used the bouncer sparingly today but he does send down a shorter ball to test Haddin late in the over. Australia's wicketkeeper looks more than comfortable pulling three runs through mid-wicket. Shot! A no-ball hands Smith an extra delivery to play with and he takes full advantage by cutting a wider delivery past point for four. Smith 17 Haddin 15*

Stokes is back into the attack to replace Anderson. The Durham all-rounder battles to find the right length in his returning over and Haddin cashes in on a short delivery to pull four over mid-wicket. A push to cover brings a quick single. Cook will be getting edgy about Haddin now. Smith 17 Haddin 20*

Haddin knocks the ball into the leg-side for one at the start of the over. Close! Smith is not in full control of a late cut but he survives when a thick edge sails over Borthwick at third slip and to the rope for four runs. Australia are fighting back. It's time for a drinks break in Sydney.

England need to keep being positive. Cook has received plenty of criticism for a perceived negative attitude but he'll certainly know that his team have a great chance of dismissing the hosts cheaply if they can break this partnership soon.

Shot! Haddin stands and delivers in the over after the drinks break to drill the ball through the covers for four. It was hardly a bad delivery from Stokes. However, the next one definitely is a poor delivery. Stokes clips the stumps at the non-striker's end for the third time today and his half-tracker is pulled behind square for four runs. Shot! Haddin is leading the fightback and he makes it 13 from the over with an excellent pull shot. Smith 21* Haddin 33

Smith is happy to get off strike with a single on the leg-side. Shot! Haddin brings up the 50 partnership by rocking back to hit Rankin over wide mid-on for four runs. The bowler is left with hands on head moments later when Haddin hooks the ball just short of Ballance, who is on the rope at a wide fine-leg. Seven scored in the over. England losing some of the control at the SCG.

Smith is in a bit of pain when Stokes finds some extra bounce to hit the finger. The physio is called on for some treatment but the batsman is fine to continue. Smith then reaches the rope with a sliced shot past point for four runs. It might be time for a bit of Borthwick.

Cook agrees it's time to give leg-spin a go as Borthwick begins the first over of his Test career. The spinner is slightly too short and Haddin, who suggested before the game that he would go after the debutant, cuts a single to deep cover. Smith fails to punish a full-toss a ball later. Borthwick finds the right length in the middle over to excite the men around the bat. Close! Smith almost gifts the spinner his first Test wicket but a loose drive drops just short of Bell at cover. Smith refuses to let another full-toss pass him by as he skips down the pitch to earn four through mid-wicket.

Worrying signs for England. Rankin switches ends but only manages to bowl one delivery in the over before calling for the physio. It looks like a possible hamstring injury and England take no chances, with the seamer being forced off. That's a big blow for the tourists. Broad is asked to complete the over. Haddin collects three runs to move to 42 not out.

Borthwick is struggling with his length but Haddin fails to punish two half-trackers. A better delivery is worked through third-man for three runs. Shot! Smith is eager to attack the leg-spinner as he skips down the pitch to hammer four runs straight down the ground. Much better from Borthwick later in the over to force Smith to defend after a skip down the pitch.

Superb over from Broad, who twice comes close to removing Haddin when he nips the ball past each edge. It's a maiden. Smith 35* Haddin 45

Cook will be starting to get concerned. Rankin is off with an injury and Borthwick is starting to get frustrated. One full-toss is drilled through the off-side for four and he's fortunate to see the next one blocked by Broad at mid-on. A wicket would change everything but it's just not coming out of the hand right for Borthwick. Haddin ends the over by skipping down the pitch and earning four more down the ground.

Broad continues to impress with the ball by settling on the perfect 'fifth stump' line to Smith, who is happy to leave outside his off-stump. Bairstow is deceived by some late swing at the end of the over and Australia take the opportunity to sneak a couple of byes.

Borthwick's disappointing opening spell comes to an end as Cook throws the ball to Stokes. 50! Great cricket from Haddin to sneak a single and reach his 17th half-century in the process. It's been another excellent knock. He's leading his side out of a difficult position and not for the first time in this series. Stokes commits two no-balls in the over, with one being a front-foot mistake and the second coming as a result of him flicking the stumps with his hand once again. Smith 40 Haddin 50*

Shot! Anderson's begins a new spell with a poor delivery and Haddin takes full advantage to pull four runs over mid-wicket. The seamer responds well following the early boundary but Haddin looks as solid in defence as he does in attack. There's a few words at the end of the over between Anderson and Haddin. The umpires step in to prevent the argument from going on.

Stunning from Smith, who drives on the up through the covers to earn four. Stokes almost sneaks one through but a thick edge hands the batsman another run. This partnership is now worth 96. England are in desperate need of a breakthrough.

TEA: Smith miscues a pull shot when Anderson pulls his length back but he still manages to pick up three through mid-wicket. Haddin takes the partnership past the 100 mark with a firm pull to the rope for four runs. Anderson's length is poor throughout the over, which brings eight runs in total. That's the end of the session and the game is looking a lot different at the SCG. Smith 48* Haddin 59*

Cook won't believe that this is happening again. England were in complete control when Bailey was dismissed early in the session but Haddin has once again led the way to frustrate the tourists. Smith has supported his partner well and England are on the back foot. Tea has probably arrived at a good time for the tourists.

Is Haddin making a late charge for the man of the series award? Mitchell Johnson will be the favourite for most people but the experienced wicketkeeper really has shown his quality when his team have been struggling. Australia have dominated throughout the series but when they've been on the back foot, Haddin has always delivered.

England have a lot of concerns ahead of the final session. They can still dismiss Australia for a relatively low total but Borthwick's opening spell and Rankin's injury means it will be difficult. A number of people have suggested that any total close to 300 will be acceptable on this pitch.

The England camp have suggested in the last few minutes that Rankin could return to the field in the final session. That is a bit of good news for Cook, who will need all four seamers in this match.

Clarke will be content with the situation at the moment. It was a difficult start to the day but this partnership means that the hosts are on course for a decent total in their first innings. Johnson, Harris and Siddle will all fancy doing some damage with the new ball on this pitch.

Cook leads his players out to the field for the final session of the day. England have to pick up a couple of wickets soon to wrestle back the control. Haddin and Smith will have other ideas. Broad will bowl the first over after tea.

The good news for England is that Rankin has returned to the field with the rest of his teammates. We'll know if he's fully fit when Cook throws him the ball. Haddin starts the session by picking up a single off a thick inside edge. 50! Smith goes to a half-century on his home ground by driving the ball through the covers for four. It's another good knock from a player who is starting to deliver on his potential. Smith 52 Haddin 60*

A quick statistic for you. Haddin is only the second wicketkeeper to pass 50 six times in a Test series after Gerry Alexander did the same back in the 1960/61 series with the West Indies. Broad does well to stop a drive from Haddin racing away to the rope, with the batsman being forced to settle for a single at the start of a new over from Stokes. Smith pulls a shorter ball to deep square-leg to rotate the strike again. Shots! Haddin lofts the ball over extra cover for another boundary before giving himself some space to hammer four more over Stokes. Stunning batting. Smith 53* Haddin 71

Smith fails to find the middle of the bat with a drive but he still earns a single to cover. Broad looks perplexed when he's punished for a wide following a bouncer. Poor from the bowler, who sends down a half-tracker to invite another pull to the rope for four from Haddin. England need a breakthrough.

Smith gets off strike early in a new over with an inside edge to fine-leg.

Breakthrough! Haddin plays his first lazy shot outside off-stump and he's punished when Cook takes a catch off the edge of the bat. Stokes has his third wicket of the match. It's been another excellent knock from Haddin. England need to pile the pressure back on now. Johnson in next.

A leg-bye allows Johnson to get off strike. Bairstow and the slips go up for caught behind when Smith plays an unconvincing shot but neither Stokes or Marais Erasmus are interested. Good over from the all-rounder.

Broad fires in a couple of bouncers at the start of the over before asking Johnson to play to keep out a fuller delivery. Some extra bounce causes the ball to hit the glove but Johnson is able to steal a couple of runs when Bairstow fails to block the ball down the leg-side. Smith 55* Johnson 2

Shot! Smith's role in this innings is even more important now and he continues to impress with a classy late cut for four past point. A full-toss is then nudged into the leg-side for a single. Johnson is happy to keep out the final ball of the over. Australia scoring at above four runs an over in this innings. Stopping the flow of runs has been a big problem for England in the series.

Anderson returns to the attack but the move fails to have the desired effect. Smith looks in great touch as he produces another superb drive to pick up four runs through extra cover. You won't see many shots better than that over the next five days. Just the boundary from the over.

Stokes is doing the right thing by bowling full to Johnson, who can punish any team if he's given too much freedom at the crease. A clip off the toes brings a couple of runs through mid-wicket. An optimistic appeal follows later in the over but the ball struck Johnson too high on the pads. Smith 64* Johnson 4

Anderson is slightly too straight early in the over and Smith takes the opportunity to nudge a single through square-leg. Johnson is pretty happy to defend at this stage of his innings but don't be surprised if he starts to attack in a few moments.

Terrible news for England. Once again, Rankin can only get through the first ball of his over before clutching his hamstring in pain. The physio is back on for a few moments and Rankin is going to be forced off the field once again. It's really tough on the bowler, who has been waiting for his chance to make his debut on this tour. Big problems for the tourists. They could be a bowler down for the rest of the game. Stokes is asked to complete the over, with Australia adding just two runs to the total.

Carberry is unable to stop a thick outside edge from beating him at point and Johnson takes advantage to collect three runs. Smith defends well outside off-stump to keep out Anderson for the rest of the over. Australia still in a good position despite Haddin's departure.

Stokes is targeting the stumps when bowling to Johnson, who frustrates the bowler by getting off strike with a thick inside edge. Smith picks the gap on the leg-side to hurry a couple of runs. Shot! Superb timing from Smith to loft Stokes over mid-off for four more. A drive to deep cover for one makes it eight from the over. Smith 73* Johnson 9

Smith has taken over Haddin's role as the aggressor in this innings as he takes the aerial route again to hit four runs over Anderson's head. A pull to deep square-leg brings two more before a mistake from Stokes at cover gifts Smith a single at the end of the over. Will Cook be brave enough to bring back Borthwick? The leg-spinner may encourage Johnson to make an error.

Ah, you must have been reading Alastair. Borthwick is back into the attack for a new spell. Smith is on the front foot straight away to pick up a single on the leg-side. Johnson pushes a fuller delivery to long-on to rotate the strike again. Close! Borthwick delivers a beauty which turns to beat Smith's outside edge. The debutant threatens again but Smith gets lucky when a thin inside edge sends the ball onto the pads, rather than the stumps. Good over from the spinner.

Broad returns to the attack and begins his over from around the wicket. The left-handed Johnson forces an immediate change of angle when he picks up a single to fine-leg. For once, Smith miscues a drive to Anderson at mid-off. Shot! There's no problem with Smith's timing a few moments later when he cuts the ball past point for four runs. Smith 85 Johnson 11*

Johnson lofts the ball into the leg-side for a single at the start of a new over. Smith cuts a shorter delivery from Borthwick away for a single.

Borthwick strikes for the first time in Test cricket! I mentioned a few minutes ago that the leg-spinner might tempt Johnson into playing a big shot and the Australian couldn't resist attempting the big heave for any longer. The shot is completely mistimed and Root, who is on the field for Rankin, jogs in from long-on to take the catch. Great moment for Borthwick and an important wicket for the tourists.

Harris has kept his place at nine ahead of Siddle and he comes to the crease to join Smith, who hits a full-toss through mid-wicket to collect three runs from the final ball of the over.

Smith moves into the nineties with three runs at the start of Broad's new over. Harris looks uncomfortable when fending off a bouncer from Broad, who sends down another short ball to concede another wide. Close! Harris continues to struggle against the aggressive bowling in the over and he's lucky to see an edge drop short of Ballance, who has the helmet on at short-leg. Smith 92* Harris 0

Borthwick is still sending down the odd poor delivery but Carberry's presence on the boundary means Smith only earns one run for his cut shot. Harris gets off the mark by sending a full-toss away for a single. Six! Brilliant batting from Smith, who skips down the pitch to loft the ball over long-on for a maximum. CENTURY FOR SMITH! The six took him to 99* and Smith moves to three figures with another boundary when he smashes a full-toss to the rope for four. That's his second hundred of the series and he'll be delighted to reach the milestone on his home ground. Great innings. A single makes it 13 from the over. Smith 104* Harris 1

Smith shuffles across his crease to nudge a single into the leg-side. Broad comes around the wicket to target Harris with the short ball. Harris knows what's coming and he swings wildly at the bouncer. Bairstow can't hold on behind the stumps and Australia are gifted four byes. There's a possible hour of play remaining in the day.

Smith plays an ugly heave across the line of the ball but he still manages to pick up a run on the leg-side. An inside edge from Harris just misses the stumps and he takes the opportunity to sneak a single to fine-leg. Smith runs well to earn two with a push just wide of long-on. Good cricket from the batting duo. Borthwick delivers another full-toss and Smith accepts the gift by drilling four through mid-wicket.

The second new ball is just eight overs away but Cook is happy to bring back Anderson for a new spell. Anderson can't believe his luck when Harris top edges a pull shot over the slips and to the rope for four. Harris picks up two more runs with a cut shot wide of Carberry at point. Shot! Harris follows Smith's lead with a fine drive through the covers for four more. 10 off the over.

Stokes is back for a new spell. Smith nudges the seamer through mid-wicket for two before rotating the strike with a single on the off-side. Harris picks the gap at cover once again to earn three runs at the end of the over. Australia's lower order are once again doing damage. Smith 115 Harris 15*

Six! Wow, Harris puts the crowd in danger with a stunning pull shot over the rope at mid-wicket. A push past mid-off brings a single. Smith opens the face of the bat in an attempt to guide a single through third-man but Carberry fields well to make sure that no more than seven runs come in the over.

Harris drives again but he picks out Anderson at cover on this occasion to hand Stokes his fourth wicket of the innings. Anderson kicks the ball away in frustration, which suggests that England know they've let a chance slip today. Harris departs for a valuable 22. Siddle in next.

It might not be going well for England in the series but Stokes continues to impress and he salutes the crowd after taking five wickets in a Test innings for the first time. Siddle delivers a thin edge through to Bairstow to depart for a golden duck. Lyon comes to the crease with Stokes on a hat-trick.

Stokes finds the edge again but Lyon gets enough on the ball to keep the all-rounder out. Drop! Lyon is almost gone just moments later when he edges the ball to Anderson, who can't quite hold on diving to his left at fourth slip. Australia's number 11 gets off the mark with a single on the off-side.

Stokes wraps up the innings and finishes with figures of 6-99 from 19.5 overs. Smith, possibly sensing that the end is near, attacks the seamer but picks out Root, who takes the catch at mid-on. England bowl out Australia on day one but they'll know they've missed a big opportunity to take control.

Australia were 97-5 at one stage but Haddin (75) and Smith (115) both produced excellent knocks to guide the hosts to a good first innings total at the SCG. Cook will once again be cursing the fact that England have failed to take advantage of a good position, with Australia scoring at over four runs an over today.

Day one of the fifth Test isn't over yet. England face a tricky 25 minute spell. Clarke will be desperate for one of his bowlers to make the breakthrough before the close of play. Cook and Carberry need to be there at stumps for England.

Clarke leads his players out to the middle and throws the new ball to Harris. We're in for a thrilling end to the first day in Sydney. Cook is on strike. Play!

Harris is on target early in the over, with Cook being forced to block on an off-stump line. England's captain gets off the mark with four through the covers when Harris goes slightly too full. Just the boundary from the first over. It's time for Johnson.

Haddin is convinced that Carberry has got an inside edge on Johnson's first ball but the wicketkeeper receives very little support from his teammates. The ball definitely flicked the back leg but Clarke and the bowler are not sure if there was any bat involved. Johnson looks in the mood to do some damage as he seams a couple of deliveries away from Carberry at well over 90mph. The opener is once again living dangerously with the way he leaves the ball outside off-stump but he does survive the over. It's a maiden.

Cook displays a much more convincing leave than his partner when Harris finds a good length outside off-stump. The England skipper rotates the strike with a nudge into the leg-side for a single. Harris caused problems for Carberry from around the wicket in the last game and he changes angle again to force the Hampshire batsman into a defensive shot at the end of the over.

Good cricket from Cook, who earns a single from a defensive push into the off-side. Close! Johnson produces a brilliant delivery to nip the ball past Carberry's outside edge. Bailey is sure there was an edge but the fielder at short-leg is ignored.

Good captaincy, great fielding and most importantly, superb fast bowling. Johnson has been superb at the start of this innings and he gets his reward when Carberry flicks the ball to Lyon, who takes a superb catch at leg-slip. Australia will be relieved to pick up that wicket, with replays suggesting that Carberry did get an edge on the previous delivery. Johnson's brilliant series continues. Anderson heads out to the middle as nightwatchman.

Should Anderson be out there? None of England's tail have been able to play Johnson, so maybe Ian Bell should have come in ahead of the nightwatchman. Anderson gets off the mark with a glove to third-man. Tough times for the tourists.

Five minutes left in the day. This could be the final over of the day. Harris wastes the first delivery by sending a short ball down the leg-side to Haddin. Anderson is trying to waste as much time as possible, which leaves the hosts frustrated. England's nightwatchman watches another two balls drift down the leg-side. Harris responds by coming around the wicket to force Anderson onto the back foot to defend. Close! Harris catches the edge but the ball drops well short of Watson at first slip. Unfortunately for England, there will be one more over bowled.

CLOSE OF PLAY: Johnson sends down a brilliant bouncer but does well to stop a deflection off the glove from landing in Bailey's hands at short-leg. Close! If he doesn't get you with the short ball, he'll send you packing with the one that swings. Cook is nowhere near a delivery that nips away past the edge at 93mph. An attempted yorker is flicked to fine-leg for one, leaving Anderson with two balls to survive. Anderson correctly remains at the danger end after nudging the ball through a gap at square-leg. One ball remaining in the day. Anderson survives!

It all looked so good for England when Australia were struggling on 97-5 but Smith, Haddin and Johnson have all impressed once again to edge the hosts ahead in the fifth Test. England end the day 318 runs behind with nine wickets in hand.

Johnson has once again made the crucial breakthrough late in the day to claim a big wicket for his team at the day one. Carberry, preferred to Root at the start of the day, failed to trouble the scorers. It will be Cook and Anderson who return to the crease on day two.

England simply must enjoy the better of day two or Australia will be in a great position to complete a 5-0 series whitewash. Make sure you join me at 11pm (UK time) to see how the drama will unfold in Sydney. Thanks for joining me today. Goodbye.