Joe Root, Harry Brook resist Australia in rain-hit Sydney Test
In the 39th over of the day, with the partnership sitting at 124, television cameras cut to England coach Brendon McCullum near the visitors’ dressing room, pen in hand, working through a crossword book.
After searching for answers on the field all summer – and finally finding some through patient, old-fashioned Test batting – McCullum appeared to be doing the same on paper.
Scott Boland after dismissing Jacob Bethell at the SCG.Credit: Getty Images
Caught flicking to the back of the book for help with filling in the blanks, former Australian coach Justin Langer couldn’t help but laugh in the Seven commentary box.
“Come on, Baz, you’re better than that, my friend,” Langer said. “Caught red-handed.”
Crossword clues aside, McCullum’s relaxed demeanour summed up the broader mood of the series. The intensity and ferocity that defined earlier Tests has diminished since England clawed their way to victory in Melbourne.
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Even in the stands, Australian fans appeared more subdued than usual, struggling to summon the same energy when battling for World Test Championship points as they would if chasing a demoralising 5-0 Ashes whitewash.
Despite the light and a rain delay, there was a sense around the ground that a break in play might not be the worst outcome, particularly after the frenetic two-day finish in Melbourne.
From Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, to Cricket Australia chief executive Todd Greenberg, to SCG curator Adam Lewis, everyone has a vested interest – for different reasons – in this Test stretching deep into day five.
