Tim Bresnan has backed his fellow England bowlers to put the tourists in charge of the final Ashes Test in Sydney.

Bresnan claimed two wickets for 47 runs as England restricted Australia to 134 for four on a rain-hit day one at the Sydney Cricket Ground.

England are looking to avoid defeat in the final Test to become the first tourists to win an Ashes series down under for 24 years.

Bresnan said: "(It was) a good day for us really. We bowled really well.

"We bowled really well as a unit again. We kept them under the pump."

Bresnan admitted he was not disappointed that Australia stand-in captain Michael Clarke decided to bat first after winning the toss.

"I was quite pleased with the opportunity to make first use of the pitch," said Bresnan on Sky Sports.

"We bowled well as a unit. If I have any qualms about my own bowling, I think I'm (going) for slightly too many runs.

"Like I say, it was a good day for us. We're happy with that, from the way we bowled."