NEW DELHI: Australia made a single change to their XI for the fifth and final Ashes Test against England at the SCG, bringing in all-rounder Beau Webster for his first appearance of the series, replacing seamer Jhye Richardson.

Webster's inclusion came at the expense of spinner Todd Murphy, marking the first time since 1888 that Australia have gone into a Test at the SCG without a specialist spinner.

After the conclusion of Day 1, England batter Harry Brook was asked whether he expected to face so little spin bowling, given that Australia did not field a specialist spinner in Sydney.

"Yeah, I was expecting to face a little bit more spin. Something came up on the TV that there's only been 60 overs or something per side this whole series," Brook said while addressing a press conference.

He acknowledges that Australia's seamers have been exceptional this series, consistently hitting the right lengths and maintaining relentless pressure. Because of their dominance with the ball, Australia have opted to field a predominantly seam-heavy attack

"So, yeah, and then in previous years there was 260 overs of spin. So, yeah, I was expecting to face a little bit more spin than we have, but their seamers have been outstanding this whole series. They've been relentless and they've hit the lengths over and over again," Brook said.

"So, you can see why they've gone with a five-seam attack this week. Six - well, five, six-seam attack. However many they've got in there. Labuschagne as well," he added, leaving everyone in splits. Interestingly, Australian batter Marnus Labuschagne bowled a few overs of medium pace in this Ashes series.

Root and Brook guide England to 211/3

Joe Root and Harry Brook shared a 154-run partnership to guide England to 211/3 before bad light stopped play on Day 1 of the final Ashes Test, which featured an emotional on-field tribute for the Bondi terror victims and first responders.

Root and Brook joined when the tourists were at a perilous 57/3 on Sunday and rallied England through the middle session before bad light and rain stopped play just before tea and prevented the match from resuming after the interval.