Joe Root scored a masterful 160 from 242 balls on the second day of the Sydney Test, his 41st Test century, before Travis Head’s unbeaten 91 led Australia to 166 for two at stumps, reducing England’s lead to 218 runs. Root’s innings propped up England’s total of 384 in 97.3 overs, but a late collapse of five for 61, including the loss of Jamie Smith for 46 after a reckless shot, undermined their efforts.
Root, who had been dropped by England at the SCG in 2014 and struggled on previous tours, finally left the harbour city with happy memories. He was given a standing ovation after falling to a return catch from Michael Neser, who finished with four for 60. Root is now level with Ricky Ponting on the all-time list of Test hundreds, behind only Jacques Kallis and Sachin Tendulkar.
England’s bowling faltered in the final session, with Matthew Potts and Brydon Carse going wicketless for 101 runs from 16 overs. Travis Head capitalised, hitting 15 fours in a rapid knock, while Marnus Labuschagne made 48. Two dropped catches, including a low chance by Ben Duckett at cover, compounded England’s frustrations as Australia closed on 166 for two.
