The Gabba witnessed the full theatre of Ashes cricket on Thursday—roars from the crowd, the hum of the pink ball under lights, wickets tumbling in clusters, and a masterful innings that steadied a faltering side. The opening day had everything: skill, suspense, and moments destined for highlight reels.
Mitchell Starc ignited the drama almost instantly. Known for wreaking havoc under the lights, the Australian left-armer delivered a blistering opening spell. His outswinger to Ben Duckett in the first over left the England opener with little choice but to play—and he paid with his wicket. Ollie Pope soon followed, undone by a ball that jagged back to hit his stumps. England were in tatters at 5 for 2, and the Australian fielders were buzzing.
But Test cricket, ever unpredictable, turned on its head when Zak Crawley and Joe Root came together. Crawley batted with graceful authority, peppering the boundary with drives and cuts. Root, unfazed by Starc’s fiery opening, anchored himself with the calm assurance of a man who has seen every challenge the format can offer. Their partnership of 117 was a statement—not just of skill, but of resolve.
Crawley’s fluent 76 ended when he edged Michael Neser, but Root marched on. His partnerships with Harry Brook and Will Jacks were vital, even as wickets fell intermittently. Brook’s lively 31 and Jacks’ measured contribution gave Root the support he needed. Along the way, Starc reclaimed centre stage, surpassing Pakistan legend Wasim Akram to become the most prolific left-arm fast bowler in Test cricket history. His celebration was modest, but the achievement monumental.
The evening session crackled with intensity. A miscommunication led to the run-out of England captain Ben Stokes, a moment of frustration that echoed through the dressing room. Jamie Smith was bowled shortly after, and Australia sensed they were reasserting control.
Root, however, had a different script in mind. He reached his first century on Australian soil—an accomplishment that had long eluded him despite many near-misses. His celebration was understated but brimming with quiet satisfaction. The hundred, his 40th in Test cricket, also carried him beyond 1,000 Test runs in Australia.
The surprise of the day came from Jofra Archer. Returning to Test cricket with characteristic flair, he played with a freedom that frustrated the Australian attack, striking an unbeaten 32 off 26 balls. His partnership of 61 with Root shifted momentum once more, pushing England to 325 for 9 at stumps.
As the players walked off under the Brisbane lights, both sides could lay claim to small victories—Starc’s brilliance with the ball, Root’s artistry with the bat. The match was finely balanced, and the crowd had been gifted a day that embodied the timeless charm of Test cricket.