England land first blow in final Test - Bresnan

England relished home conditions to land the first blow on the groggy Australians on the opening day of the final Ashes Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground, paceman Tim Bresnan said on Monday.

Bresnan followed up his six wickets in the tourists' Ashes-sealing win in last week's fourth Melbourne Test to take two wickets as England finished the better in damp conditions.

Australia faded after a purposeful start to be 134 for four when rain washed out play late the day.

"It's always good to get the first punch in and we certainly did get the first punch in," said Bresnan, who took 2-47.

"Definitely, our day. I think it was very English conditions that we got today."

Yorkshireman Bresnan said England's bowlers enjoyed first use of the greenish SCG pitch after Australia's acting captain Michael Clarke won the toss and batted.

"The first session, we bowled really well and forced them to play in their shell a little bit," Bresnan said.

"Obviously after lunch... they played a few more shots which helped us pick up a few more wickets. It was good for us.

"We were happy with first use of that pitch. I think we were going to bowl first anyway, the way it (pitch) looked and the overhead conditions, so we were definitely pleased with the first use of it.

"It's only going to get better."

Bresnan said Monday's effort should stop anyone doubting England were content with just retaining the Ashes following their win in Melbourne.

England lead the five Test series 2-1, with the first Test, in Brisbane, drawn.

"I think we're still up for this game," he said.

"Even though we've retained the Ashes effectively, we still want to win the series.

"We obviously celebrated quite a lot after Melbourne but we've still got a job to do, we still want to win this game."

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