AUS vs ENG 2nd Test, Day 1 Highlights: Joe Root’s First Ton in Australia Lifts England to 325/9 at Gabba. England came back strongly after a bad start on Day 1 of the second Ashes Test at The Gabba, ending with 325/9, supported by Joe Root’s career-defining not-out century.
England put the first runs on the board but were very much shaken as Australia’s Mitchell Starc got rid of both Ben Duckett and Ollie Pope for naughts, leaving the guests in a pit at 5/2 within the first few overs. After that, Zak Crawley came in with Root to quiet the innings and take England to a nice spot by the time of the first break.
Root Gets Rid of His Aussie Century Drought
Joe Root had never scored a Test hundred in Australia until this match, and he displayed great skill and patience to present his first Ashes century. He scored 135 not out, which is also his 40th Test ton and the mainstay of England’s innings with his wisdom. This innings settled an important moment in his great career; he managed to clear the long-standing issue of his record in Australian conditions.
Starc Shines but Archer Sparks Late Fireworks
Mitchell Starc was the most impressive bowler on the day, taking six wickets and consistently posing a threat to England’s batting order with his rapid pace under the pink ball. However, despite his remarkable performance, a vital late partnership tilted the momentum in England’s favour.
Jofra Archer played an important counterattacking knock, scoring runs in a 61-run final-wicket partnership that took England over the 300-run mark by the time the umpires called for stumps.
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England’s struggle — from the shock of losing early wickets to a strong finish — has created an interesting situation in the Test. On Day 2, Root will be batting with one wicket remaining, aiming to take the total near 350 runs, while Australia will want to get the job done quickly and make the most of it with the bat in daylight. With the home team leading the series 1-0, Day 2 could be important in the overall context of this Ashes war.