England on top as Khawaja impresses

Another strong bowling performance from England gave them the narrow advantage on Day One of the 5th Ashes test in Sydney.

Australia closed on 134-4 with Mike Hussey still unbeaten after Graeme Swann took the wicket of Usman Khawaja the last ball before the rain fell.

It was some more consistent bowling from England that allowed them to get on top early on despite not taking any wickets.

Chris Tremlett yet again bowled with persistence on a good line and length without any reward while Tim Bresnan continued his impressive form.

James Anderson bowled indifferently as he seemed to struggle after turning his ankle in the first over and Swann didn't look like troubling the batsmen until he ousted Khawaja.

After a opening stand of 55, it looked as though Australia would go into lunch without loss but in the last over Phil Hughes couldn't resist a wide one from Tremlett and he edged to Collingwood at slip.

Khawaja and Watson then put on another 50 partnership before Bresnan had the later caught by Strauss at slip for 45. Once again Watson had got to 40 and got out, which will be a worrying sign for him and his country.

Meanwhile, Khawaja was looking comfortable and composed at the crease. Unlike his captain Clarke, who was clearly struggling and unsurprisingly perished when he slashed at a wide on from Bresnan and was snaffled by Anderson.

With rain on the way, Australia should have been happy to see out until it arrived but Khawaja top edged a sweep off Swann and was held by Trott before the rain came ending the day.

It was another good bowling performance from England as they troubled the Australian batsmen all day but some good patient batting from Hughes and Watson defied them until the stroke of lunch.

Australia continue to have issues over Watson, Hughes and Clarke but debutant Khawaja showed plenty of promise in a fluent 37.

England ended the day narrowly on top, however, with no more rain forecast for the rest of the match, the tourists will need to continue to bowl well to put themselves into a strong position.