Root Scores First Ton in Australia, Starc Sets New Record

The opening day of the second Ashes Test in Australia delivered plenty of drama, highlighted by England captain Joe Root’s maiden Test century on Australian soil. His composed innings guided England to a total of 325 for 9 after 74 overs, setting the stage for a gripping contest.

Australia’s pace spearhead, Mitchell Starc, reached a significant personal milestone during the day, becoming the leading wicket-taker among left-arm fast bowlers with 418 wickets, surpassing the legendary Wasim Akram.

England, having won the toss and elected to bat, encountered early difficulties. Ben Duckett was dismissed on the final delivery of the opening over, followed quickly by Ollie Pope’s departure at the hands of Starc. At this point, England appeared to be on the back foot.

Root and Zak Crawley then stabilised the innings, compiling a third-wicket partnership of 117 runs from 152 balls before Crawley fell to Michael Neser. The middle order found runs harder to come by, but Root’s fluent strokeplay kept England competitive.

Starc, relentless in his pursuit, struck again by removing Harry Brook, thereby eclipsing Akram’s record of 414 wickets in the process. Despite the pressure, Root reached his 40th Test century following the dismissal of Will Jacks in the 65th over. Demonstrating remarkable aggression in the final overs, Root and Jofra Archer added a rapid 61 runs from just 44 deliveries for the last wicket, taking England past the 300-run mark.

Root finished with a commanding 135 from 202 balls, featuring 15 boundaries and a six, while Archer remained unbeaten on 32. Starc ended the day with impressive bowling figures of 6 for 71 from 19 overs, marking his 18th innings with five or more wickets in a Test match.

Key Performances – Day 1

Root’s century and England’s resilient batting ensured they avoided collapse against a potent Australian attack, while Starc’s record-breaking performance added excitement to an already enthralling day of Test cricket.