The opening day of the second Ashes Test proved highly eventful, with England’s Joe Root securing his first Test century on Australian soil. His composed innings helped England post 325 for 9 after 74 overs.
Australia’s Mitchell Starc reached a significant career landmark by becoming the highest wicket-taker among left-arm fast bowlers, taking his tally to 418 wickets.
England, having opted to bat first after winning the toss, faced an immediate setback when Ben Duckett was dismissed off the final ball of the opening over. Starc soon accounted for Ollie Pope. Root and Zak Crawley rebuilt the innings with a partnership worth 117 runs from 152 deliveries for the third wicket, before Crawley was removed by Michael Neser.
The middle order faltered thereafter, and Starc struck again by dismissing Harry Brook, surpassing former Pakistan captain Wasim Akram’s haul of 414 wickets.
Root completed his 40th Test hundred following Will Jacks’ dismissal in the 65th over. He then combined with Jofra Archer to add 61 runs from 44 balls for the final wicket, pushing England past the 300-run mark.
Root finished on 135 from 202 deliveries, striking 15 fours and a six. Archer remained unbeaten on 32. Starc claimed 6 for 71 from 19 overs, securing his 18th five-wicket haul in Test innings.
SS