England lost just one wicket in the first session of day five in the fifth Ashes Test, boosting their chances of securing a draw.

Joe Root resumed his innings as England battled through the opening session on day five of the fifth Ashes Test with the loss of just one wicket.

Root was initially unable to resume his innings against Australia at the SCG on Monday after suffering from viral gastroenteritis.

However, the England captain (58 not out) joined Jonny Bairstow (38 not out) at the crease after Moeen Ali (13) fell to Nathan Lyon again, the tourists pushing to 144-5 at lunch – still trailing by 159 runs.

Lyon trapped Moeen lbw to mark the seventh time he has dismissed the left-hander this series.

The dismissal saw Lyon become the fifth bowler in Test history to dismiss the same batsman seven times in one series.

While the off-spinner bowled a tight spell – he has 3-50 off 32 overs – the SCG pitch is offering little to pacemen.

Bairstow and Root were both largely untroubled, with the latter passing 50 for the fourth time this series.

Root also struck Cameron Bancroft in the helmet at short leg with a pull shot, although the Australia opener was OK to continue.

*Root did not return following the Lunch break – retiring ill for the second time today.