A magnificent century from Joe Root was the cornerstone of England's first-innings total of 384 on day two of the fifth Ashes Test in Sydney, only for the former captain to later leave the field with a back complaint during Australia's reply.
Root's Masterclass and England's Collapse
Resuming on his overnight score of 72, Joe Root batted with supreme control for nearly seven hours to compile a brilliant 160 runs. His innings, which included a second century on Australian soil this series, drew him level with Ricky Ponting on 41 Test hundreds. However, his dismissal, caught and bowled by Michael Neser, triggered a collapse as England lost their final four wickets for just nine runs.
England's position had looked less secure earlier in the day when Harry Brook added only six to his overnight 78 and Ben Stokes fell for a duck to Mitchell Starc. Wicketkeeper Jamie Smith made a lively 46 but fell to a poor shot off the part-time bowling of Marnus Labuschagne just before lunch. Neser was the pick of the Australian attack, finishing with figures of four for 60.
Australian Charge Under Lights
Any joy England took from their total quickly evaporated as Australia's batters took charge under the SCG floodlights. Travis Head was particularly aggressive, racing to a 55-ball half-century and finishing the day unbeaten on 91 from just 87 deliveries. He became the first batsman in the series to pass 500 runs.
He shared a brisk second-wicket partnership of 105 with Marnus Labuschagne, who made 48 before falling to Ben Stokes. The dismissal was preceded by a heated exchange between the two players, with Stokes appearing to admonish Labuschagne after being hit for consecutive boundaries by Head.
Injury Concern for Root
The major worry for England, however, was the sight of Joe Root leaving the field clutching his back during the evening session. The ECB later stated he was suffering "some discomfort". Root has a history of back trouble, and the team's medical staff were assessing the issue.
England's bowling lacked penetration with the new ball, with Matthew Potts and Brydon Carse struggling for control. A dropped catch by Ben Duckett compounded a dismal final session for the tourists, who conceded 166 runs in the evening for the loss of just two wickets.
Australia closed day two on 166 for two, trailing by 218 runs, with Head well set. England will require quick wickets on the third morning at the Sydney Cricket Ground to regain a foothold in the match.
