Joe Root conjured a masterful century at the Sydney Cricket Ground, but a blistering counter-attack from Australia's Travis Head dramatically shifted the momentum on the second day of the final Ashes Test. Root's sublime 160 underpinned England's first-innings total of 384, but by stumps, Head's unbeaten 91 had propelled the hosts to 166 for two, slashing the deficit to just 218 runs.
Root Conquers SCG Demons with Batting Masterclass
Bathed in sunshine and in front of a crowd dotted with fans dressed in various shades of cream and white – a tribute to the late Australian icon Richie Benaud – Joe Root finally exorcised his Sydney ghosts. The England batter, who was dropped after playing here in 2014 and fell ill during the 2018 Test, was in complete control from the moment he resumed on his overnight score of 72.
Root progressed to his 41st Test century, an innings of 160 runs from 242 deliveries that featured 15 fluent boundaries. His knock drew him level with the great Ricky Ponting on the all-time list of Test centurions, with only Jacques Kallis (45) and Sachin Tendulkar (51) now ahead of him. It was a display of technical excellence, the ball played late and with minimal fuss, and it required a spectacular one-handed return catch from Michael Neser to end his stay. Root departed to a standing ovation, having single-handedly ensured England posted a competitive total.
England's Lower-Order Collapse and Missed Opportunities
Despite Root's heroics, England's innings lost its way either side of the second new ball. From a commanding position of 323 for five, the tourists collapsed, losing their last five wickets for just 61 runs. Wicketkeeper Jamie Smith, who had shared a 94-run partnership with Root, fell for 46 to a loose shot off the part-time bowling of Marnus Labuschagne, sparking the downturn.
When it was England's turn to bowl, their frustrations mounted. The attack struggled for consistency on a pitch that had offered some assistance earlier, and two crucial catches were put down. Ben Duckett grassed a difficult but catchable chance at cover, while a stretching Joe Root at slip could only tip another opportunity over the bar – an effort that may have contributed to the back soreness that forced him off the field later. Bowlers Matthew Potts and Brydon Carse endured a particularly tough evening, conceding 101 runs from 16 wicketless overs between them.
Head and Labuschagne Seize Control for Australia
Australia, led by the aggressive Travis Head, ruthlessly exploited England's wayward bowling and fielding lapses. The left-hander raced to an unbeaten 91 from just 93 balls, hammering 15 fours and severely denting England's advantage. He was ably supported by Marnus Labuschagne, who made a brisk 48 before falling to Ben Stokes, who had earlier exchanged words with the Australian batter.
The final session belonged entirely to the hosts, with the scoring rate soaring and England's bowlers lacking answers. The day ended with Australia firmly in the ascendancy, having scored their 166 runs in just 34.1 overs. While Root's magnificent century provided a glorious highlight for England, the closing stages were a stark reminder of the struggles that have plagued their tour, leaving the match intriguingly poised heading into the third day at the SCG.
