The second Test match of the Ashes series resumed in Brisbane, showcasing a remarkable day of cricket. England finished the day at 325 for 9, powered by an outstanding performance from Joe Root, who scored 135 not out. His century marked his first on Australian soil and was his 40th Test century overall.
Key Performances
The day was largely dominated by Root’s innings and fast bowler Mitchell Starc’s impressive sixwicket haul. Starc claimed 6 wickets for 71 runs, breaking Wasim Akram’s record for the most Test wickets by a leftarm quick.
Batting Highlights
- Joe Root: 135* off 202 balls
- Zak Crawley: 76 off 93 balls
- Mitchell Starc: 6 wickets for 71 runs
Match Overview
England faced a rocky start, quickly losing two wickets for no runs in the opening overs. Zack Crawley and Joe Root formed a strong partnership, with Crawley scoring 76 runs, leading an essential fightback for England. Despite losing five wickets for just 54 runs under the evening lights, Root found support from No. 11 Jofra Archer, allowing them to establish a valuable partnership of 61 runs.
England’s Inning Breakdown
- Total runs: 325
- Wickets lost: 9
- Overs bowled: 74
Australia’s Bowling Strategy
Although Australia deployed an allpace attack, they missed skipper Pat Cummins who was not included in the playing XI. Mitchell Starc emerged as the primary threat, consistently maintaining a fast bowling tempo through the day.
After a disappointing performance in their previous match in Perth, where they collapsed for just 67.3 runs across two innings, England’s 325 represents a significant improvement. This day marked their first score of over 300 in a Test in Australia since January 2018.
Conclusion
The day ended with the match in a balanced state, with England’s performance reflecting determination and resilience. Both teams paid tribute to former England batter Robin Smith who recently passed away, wearing black armbands in his honor. With an intriguing second day ahead, cricket fans are set for more thrilling action.