Joe Root finally ended his Ashes century drought in Australia, anchoring England on Day 1 of the second Test despite Mitchell Starc’s six-wicket haul. Starc struck early, removing Ben Duckett and Ollie Pope to leave England reeling at 5 for 2 in just the third over on Thursday.
That’s when Root walked to the crease, determined to stabilise the innings and restore confidence following England’s series-opening eight-wicket defeat in Perth. His unbeaten 135 guided England to 325 for 9 at stumps, with No. 11 Jofra Archer contributing a career-best 32 in an unbroken 61-run last-wicket stand.
Joe Root and England restore momentum
Root shared a crucial 117-run partnership with Zak Crawley, who scored 76, lifting England to 122 for 3. Later, he added another innings-reviving stand with Harry Brook before Brook fell for 31, ending a 54-run fourth-wicket partnership. Root’s highest score in 15 previous Ashes Tests in Australia had been 89, making this milestone particularly significant.
Playing his 160th Test, Root moved into the 90s for the first time in Australia after reaching 88 not out at the drinks break. A boundary off Brendan Doggett pushed him to 96, and he carried England through the night with composure.
Despite Root’s heroics, Australia continued to make inroads. Ben Stokes was run out in a brilliant piece of fielding by Josh Inglis, while Scott Boland removed Jamie Smith, bringing England to 211 for 6. England’s tail then saw quick wickets fall, with Starc taking Gus Atkinson and Brydon Carse in quick succession, leaving the side at 264 for 9. But Root and Archer ensured England ended the day on a competitive note.
Off the field, Australia made a surprising move by recalling Scott Boland and Michael Neser in a five-man pace attack while leaving out veteran spinner Nathan Lyon. This was Lyon’s second absence on home soil since his 2011 debut. The selection committee described the decision as a one-off, citing the conditions expected at the Gabba.
(By PTI Inputs)
