Joe Root finally ended his 13-year quest for a Test century in Australia, producing a magnificent unbeaten 135 to breathe life into England's Ashes campaign on a dramatic opening day at the Gabba.
Root's Resolute Knock Rescues England
Playing his 16th Test and 30th innings in Australia, the former captain stood firm as a beacon of class and resilience. His imperious knock, filled with trademark elegance and steel-like resolve, helped England recover from a precarious position to close the day on 325 for nine. This long-awaited hundred fills one of the final gaps in Root's illustrious career, coming after his previous best score in Australia of just 89.
Starc's Historic Haul and England's Early Collapse
The day began in disastrous fashion for the tourists, with left-arm paceman Mitchell Starc once again wreaking havoc. He dismissed Ben Duckett for a golden duck – his third consecutive first-over success of the series – and Ollie Pope for a second-ball duck, reducing England to five for two. Starc's figures of six for 71 saw him overtake Pakistan legend Wasim Akram to become the most prolific left-arm seamer in Test history with 415 wickets.
England's innings might have unravelled completely had Steve Smith held a difficult chance when Root had scored only two. Instead, Root dug in, displaying sound judgement and refined technique to bat through the remainder of the day's play.
Support and Slip-Ups in the Middle Order
Zak Crawley provided crucial support, shrugging off a pair in the Perth Test to score a fluent 76. However, England's progress was hampered by a series of self-inflicted wounds. Harry Brook made a brisk 31 before slashing Starc to slip, while Ben Stokes, having batted carefully for 49 balls, was run out in a mix-up after setting off for a non-existent single.
A Frenetic Finish and Australian Selection Shock
With England nine down, Root found an unlikely ally in number eleven Jofra Archer. The pair added a thrilling 61 runs from the last 44 balls of the day, with Archer smashing 32 not out and Root even reverse-scooping Scott Boland for six. This late assault dramatically shifted momentum before the close.
The day had begun with a major selection surprise from Australia, who dropped veteran spinner Nathan Lyon for the first time in a home Test since January 2012 – ending a streak of 69 consecutive appearances. He was replaced by seamer Michael Neser, while Pat Cummins was omitted as expected.
Root's monumental effort has given England a fighting chance in the day-night Test, setting up the remainder of the match as his side seeks that elusive first win of the series on Australian soil.
