Eng vs Aus: Joe Root Shines With Century as Ashes 2nd Test Opens in Brisbane

England Reach 270 for Nine After Root’s Breakthrough Ton in Eng vs Aus Ashes

England’s batting finally found some steel in Australia as Joe Root ended a decade-long wait for a hundred on Australian soil, guiding his team to 270 for nine on day one of the Eng vs Aus 2nd Ashes Test at the Gabba. His composed 106 held England together after another chaotic opening spell from Mitchell Starc, who stormed through the top order with a blistering six for 46.

Atmosphere in Brisbane felt charged from the first ball. England arrived needing a response after being blown away in the Perth Test, and Root delivered exactly that. His century, the 40th of his career, was not only a personal milestone but a stabilizing force in a series that has already swung wildly between both sides.

Starc ensured Australia stayed in control of the narrative. His pace, swing, and accuracy under the pink ball brought back memories of classic Gabba night sessions, and his six-wicket haul placed him at the top of all left-arm fast bowlers in Test cricket history. The record added extra weight to a day that already felt like a turning point in this Eng vs Aus Ashes rivalry.

Eng vs Aus Test 2, Session by Session

England’s Early Crisis

Eng vs Aus Test began with immediate drama as England chose to bat and lost Ben Duckett to the very first ball. Ollie Pope followed soon after, chopping on for a duck as the pink ball seamed just enough to cause panic. At five for two, England were staring at yet another top-order collapse in Australia.

Crawley and Root Revive the Innings

Zak Crawley played with surprising confidence on a pitch offering bounce and movement. His 76 came through strong drives, controlled pulls, and a willingness to counterattack. Root partnered him with calm footwork and steady accumulation, building a 117-run stand that softened the blow of the early slump.

That partnership gave England something they rarely enjoy in Australia: genuine control. But once Crawley fell, the middle order once again struggled to stay afloat, allowing Australia to claw back into the contest.

Starc Writes New History

Starc’s wicket of Harry Brook not only broke the partnership England were trying to build but lifted him past Wasim Akram’s 414 Test wickets. The moment was acknowledged across the ground, a reminder of the longevity and impact Starc has had on Eng vs Aus contests through the years.

He maintained his dominance through the evening, taking wickets at key moments to keep England from breaking away. With late movement under the floodlights, his accuracy became England’s biggest headache.

Late-Evening Trouble and Root’s Standalone Fight

Ben Stokes was run out after a sharp pickup and direct hit from Josh Inglis, a moment that shifted the momentum back toward Australia. England’s lower order struggled as Jamie Smith and Will Jacks fell quickly.

Root, however, remained steady. His century arrived with a gentle deflection to the leg side, drawing applause from both English fans and sections of the Australian crowd. For a player who has dominated world cricket but never cracked the Australian frontier, this milestone felt long overdue.

He shepherded the tail deep into the final session before stumps halted his resistance at 106 not out, setting up England for one last push on day two.

Score – Eng vs Aus 2nd Test, Gabba Day 1

England First Innings (Stumps: 270/9)