Joe Root finally ticked the one box missing in his storied career, a Test century in Australia. His unbeaten 135 dragged England from 5/2 to a respectable 325/9 on a gripping opening day of the second Ashes Test in Brisbane.
The day was a study in contrasts: a batting masterclass from Root and another devastating spell from Mitchell Starc, who claimed 6–71, backing up his 7–50 from the first Test.
England Sink Early as Starc Strikes Twice in Three Balls
Choosing to bat first under pink-ball conditions, England were jolted into crisis almost immediately. Starc removed Ben Duckett with the very first ball, his 26th wicket in a Test’s opening over, before cleaning up Ollie Pope for a three-ball duck.
At 5/2, England were staring down another collapse. Root himself might have gone early, but Steve Smith spilled a tough, diving chance at second slip off the third ball he faced — a moment that would haunt Australia as the day unfolded.
With that reprieve, Root began repairing the innings with calm precision and unflappable intent.
Crawley Partners Root in Rescue Act
Root found his first stable partner in Zak Crawley, whose brisk 76 set the platform for recovery. Their 117-run stand lifted England to 122 before Crawley edged behind off Michael Neser.
Root, however, remained the constant. He mixed caution with selective aggression — leaning into straight drives, gliding balls under his nose, and refusing to be flustered by the Australian quicks.
Mini-Collapse Strikes Again as Starc Runs Riot
Just as England were rebuilding, the middle order faltered. Harry Brook (31), Ben Stokes, Jamie Smith (0), and Will Jacks (19) all fell cheaply. Then Starc returned with the second new ball and blew away Atkinson and Carse, sparking yet another English slump.
In total, England lost five wickets for 54 runs, sliding from 210/4 to 264/9.
Root Stands Firm, Archer Counterpunches
Through the chaos, Root never wavered. He reached his 40th Test hundred off 181 balls, and his long-awaited first century in Australia, an emotional moment after years of scrutiny about the missing milestone.
Jofra Archer joined him late and counterattacked with an unbeaten 32, adding a vital 61-run stand for the 10th wicket in just 7.2 overs. Their partnership pushed England past 300 and ensured they ended the day with momentum rather than regret.
Australia Still in the Contest — But Day 1 Belonged to Joe Root
While Australia will be pleased to be one wicket away from wrapping up England’s innings, Day 1 of this Pink-ball Test was owned by Root. His innings brought England back to life after their two-day thrashing in the first Test and gave them a real chance to level the series.
Brief Scores: England 325/9 in 74 overs (Joe Root 135*, Zak Crawley 76, Jofra Archer 32*; Mitchell Starc 6–71) vs Australia
