Joe Root scripted history at the Gabba, scoring his first Ashes century on Australian soil, which was also the 40th Test century of his career—moving closer to Sachin Tendulkar’s record of 51 Test tons. Root’s magnificent innings of 135* rescued England from early trouble and pushed them to a competitive 325 for 9 at stumps on Day 1 of the second Ashes Test.
England were rocked early by Mitchell Starc, who ripped through the top order and finished the day with six wickets, continuing his brilliant pink-ball record. Starc dismissed Ben Duckett for a golden duck, removed Ollie Pope soon after, and later claimed Harry Brook to surpass Pakistan legend Wasim Akram and become the highest-wicket-taking left-arm fast bowler in Test history.
Jak Crawley provided crucial support at the top, scoring a solid 76, before Root took charge of the innings.
A spirited 50-run partnership for the last wicket between Root and fast bowler Jofra Archer, featuring valuable big hits late in the day, pushed England past the 300-run mark. England finished at 325/9, with Root and Archer unbeaten at stumps, providing a strong platform heading into Day 2.
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