Joe Root crafted a masterful century to propel England to a first-innings total of 384, but a blistering counter-attack from Australia's Travis Head shifted momentum on a compelling second day of the fifth Ashes Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground.
Root Conquers SCG Demons with Batting Masterclass
Under sunny Sydney skies, Joe Root finally laid to rest his past struggles at the SCG with a magnificent innings of 160 from 242 balls. The England batter, resuming on his overnight score of 72, was in complete control, bringing up his 41st Test century—a milestone that draws him level with Australian great Ricky Ponting. Only Jacques Kallis (45) and Sachin Tendulkar (51) now sit above him on the all-time list.
This was a significant personal triumph for Root. The SCG had been the scene of his only Test dropping by England back in 2014. In 2018, he was hospitalised on a drip after battling the heat, and in the last Ashes tour here, he managed scores of just 0 and 23. On this occasion, his timing was impeccable, playing the ball late and striking 15 boundaries in a largely chanceless display that formed the backbone of England's innings.
His marathon knock was eventually ended by a superb return catch from Michael Neser, who finished with four for 60. Root departed to a standing ovation, having single-handedly ensured England posted a competitive total.
England's Lower Order Collapse and Australia's Rapid Response
Despite Root's heroics, England's innings faltered after lunch, losing their last five wickets for just 61 runs. From a promising position of 323 for five, a rash cross-batted swipe from Jamie Smith (46) off the part-time bowling of Marnus Labuschagne triggered a collapse. Wicketkeeper-batter Smith had shared a vital 94-run partnership with Root but fell to a soft dismissal.
When England took to the field, their frustrations mounted quickly. The bowling attack lacked discipline on a pitch that had offered assistance earlier, and two costly dropped catches compounded their problems. Ben Duckett grassed a difficult but catchable chance at cover, while Root himself put down a tough one at slip—an effort that may have contributed to the back soreness that later forced him from the field.
Head and Labuschagne Launch Australia's Counter-Attack
Australia's reply was led aggressively by the in-form Travis Head. The left-hander raced to an unbeaten 91 from just 89 balls, smashing 15 fours and severely denting England's lead. He found a willing partner in Marnus Labuschagne, who made a brisk 48, as the pair put the England bowlers to the sword.
By the close of play, Australia had reached 166 for two from only 34.1 overs, reducing England's lead to 218 runs. The final session bore a worrying resemblance for England to their wayward second day at the Gabba earlier in the series, with lines and lengths disappearing and Head capitalising mercilessly.
The day ended with the match intriguingly poised. Root's magnificent century has given England a platform, but Head's explosive batting has ensured Australia are firmly in the contest as the teams head into the third day of this final Ashes Test.
