Anderson, Wood strike late for England in rain-hit 4th Ashes Test

England players celebrate the fall of an Australian wicket on day 1 of the third Ashes Test 

SYDNEY (AFP): James Anderson and Mark Wood hit back late on a rain-marred opening day to give beleaguered England some hope in the fourth Ashes Test at Sydney Cricket Ground on Wednesday.

Australia, holding an unassailable 3-0 series lead, looked in a strong position at 111/1 before pacemen Anderson and Wood struck in the space of seven balls.

At the close, after only 46.5 overs were possible following four rain interruptions, Australia were 126/3 with Steve Smith on 6* and Usman Khawaja, playing in his first Test since 2019, on 4*.

Marcus Harris, coming off his 76 in Melbourne, batted obdurately for his 38 off 109 balls before he was stuck on the crease and nicked Anderson to Joe Root at slip.

In the next over Wood, charging in, got the prized wicket of Marnus Labuschagne for 28, leaving Australia at 117/3.