The opening day of the second Ashes Test delivered gripping cricketing drama. England’s Joe Root scored his first Test century on Australian soil. His innings helped England reach 325 for 9 in 74 overs.
Australia’s pace bowler Mitchell Starc set a new benchmark by becoming the highest wicket-taker among left-arm fast bowlers, reaching 418 wickets.
Winning the toss and opting to bat first, England lost Ben Duckett off the final ball of the opening over. Ollie Pope also departed to Starc. Root then partnered with Zak Crawley to add 117 runs off 152 deliveries for the third wicket. Crawley was dismissed by Michael Neser.
Although England’s middle order could not fully capitalise, Starc dismissed Harry Brook to surpass former Pakistan captain Wasim Akram’s tally of 414 wickets.
After Will Jacks fell in the 65th over, Root completed his 40th century. In the final wicket stand, he shared a 61-run partnership off 44 balls with Jofra Archer, taking England past the 300-run mark.
Root scored 135 runs off 202 deliveries with 15 fours and one six. Archer remained unbeaten on 32. Starc bowled 19 overs, conceding 71 runs and taking 6 wickets. This marked his 18th innings with five or more wickets.
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