England captain Joe Root compiled a magnificent, unbeaten century to rescue his side from a disastrous start on the opening day of the second Ashes Test in Brisbane, as Australia's shock decision to drop spinner Nathan Lyon dominated the pre-match narrative.
Lyon's Fury Over Shock Omission
In a seismic selection call, Australia opted for an all-pace attack at the Gabba, leaving out their premier and most experienced spinner, Nathan Lyon, for the first time in a home Test in 13 years. The off-spinner, Australia's third-highest Test wicket-taker of all time, did not hide his feelings, describing his mood as "absolutely filthy".
"I'm pretty gutted," Lyon admitted. "I know the role that I can play, and especially at a venue like this." Australian chair of selectors George Bailey moved quickly to reassure the veteran, labelling the move a "one-Test decision" and guaranteeing Lyon a return for the third match in Adelaide.
England opener Zak Crawley confessed his team was surprised by Lyon's exclusion, while Australian paceman Mitchell Starc, who took six wickets, called it a "tough one for Nath." Starc emphasised the choice was based on conditions and was "certainly not a reflection of his skills."
Root's Masterful Response Steadies England
On a dramatic day at the 'Gabbatoir', England's innings began in nightmare fashion, crumbling to 5 for 2 within the first three overs after Ben Duckett and Ollie Pope were dismissed for ducks. Into the crisis strode Joe Root, who produced a batting masterclass to finish the day 135 not out – his 40th Test hundred and, crucially, his first on Australian soil.
Root's innings was the bedrock of England's recovery to 325 for 9 at stumps. He shared a vital third-wicket partnership of 117 with Zak Crawley, who made a fluent 76. Crawley was effusive in his praise for his captain's knock, hailing it as "phenomenal" and suggesting it was among Root's very best.
"I forget some of his hundreds, that's how many he's got," Crawley said. "If you put everything into consideration, it's got to be one of his best." Mitchell Starc also acknowledged Root's brilliance, stating the England skipper had "played fantastically well, assessed the conditions, sucked up some pressure and got the result."
England's Bold Finish Seizes Initiative
After losing a cluster of middle-order wickets, England's tail wagged aggressively. Root and last-man Jofra Archer smashed a quickfire, unbroken 61-run stand from just 44 balls, a move Crawley revealed was a calculated gamble to seize momentum.
"We were saying go really hard and it was a win-win," Crawley explained. "If it comes off then we get quick runs, or if they get out we could have a crack at them under lights... I think we definitely won that last hour, so we're positive going into tomorrow."
The day ended with the match intriguingly poised. Australia will rue missing the chance to capitalise fully on their explosive start with the new ball, while England will be buoyed by their captain's historic century and a fighting total that seemed improbable in the first hour.
