Joe Root delivered a masterclass in Test batting on the second day of the fifth Ashes Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground as England were bowled out for 384 in their first innings, a total built around his historic century before Australia struck back with a late burst led by Michael Neser.
Resuming the day at 211 for 3, England looked well placed, but Australia made an early breakthrough when Harry Brook fell for 84, edging Scott Boland to Steve Smith at slip. The dismissal ended a dominant fourth-wicket partnership of 169 runs, yet Root remained unflustered as he continued to anchor the innings.
Root went on to score a magnificent 160, bringing up his 41st Test century to draw level with Ricky Ponting for the third-most hundreds in Test history, According to ESPNcricinfo. It was his second hundred of the series and his highest Test score on Australian soil. He reached the landmark with a punch for two off Michael Neser, celebrating with a roar as he acknowledged the SCG crowd.
England found further support through the middle order, with Jamie Smith contributing a brisk 46 before being dismissed by Marnus Labuschagne’s part-time leg-spin. Captain Ben Stokes endured a rare failure, departing for a duck after edging Mitchell Starc behind, while Will Jacks added a valuable 27 to help push the total beyond 350.
After lunch, England resumed at 336 for 6, with Root continuing to marshal the innings. However, the momentum swung sharply late in the afternoon as Australia’s bowlers, led by Neser, ripped through the tail. England lost their final four wickets for just nine runs, with Root the penultimate batter dismissed, caught and bowled sharply by Neser.
The Australian attack had to remain patient on a surface that offered limited assistance early on, but they were clinical in the final session to ensure England were kept below the 400 mark. With uneven bounce and seam movement becoming more pronounced late in the day, Australia now face a stern test as they begin their reply in a finely balanced Ashes contest at the SCG.
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