What's happened
Joe Root scored his first century in Australia, helping England recover from early wickets in the second Ashes Test at Brisbane. Despite Mitchell Starc's six-wicket haul, Root's 135* and a last-wicket stand with Jofra Archer kept England in the game, with the team ending day one at 325-9.
What's behind the headline?
Root's century signifies a crucial turning point for England in the series, demonstrating resilience under pressure. His ability to rebuild after an early collapse highlights his importance as a leader and stabilizer. Starc's dominance with 6-71 underscores Australia's reliance on pace attack, but Root's innings shows that England can adapt and challenge the hosts. The match's day-night format and the pink ball's movement have added a layer of complexity, favoring bowlers like Starc. The outcome of this day suggests that the series will remain fiercely contested, with both teams capable of shifting momentum. England's focus will now be on maintaining this fighting spirit and building on Root's innings to set a competitive total in the coming days.
What the papers say
Reuters reports Root's unbeaten 135, highlighting his milestone in Australia and the team's recovery after an early collapse. Al Jazeera provides detailed insights into the day’s play, including Starc's record-breaking performance and Crawley's efforts. BBC emphasizes Root's historic achievement and the tense atmosphere at the Gabba, capturing the emotional significance for England fans. The contrasting perspectives underscore the importance of Starc's bowling and Root's resilience, illustrating the high stakes and competitive tension of the series.
How we got here
England and Australia are competing in the five-match Ashes series, a historic cricket rivalry. The second Test at Brisbane follows a disappointing first match for England, with key players like Ben Duckett and Ollie Pope dismissed early. Mitchell Starc's exceptional bowling performance has been a major factor in the Australian attack, while Root's century marks a significant milestone in his career in Australia.
Go deeper
- How will England build on Root's century in the next innings?
- What impact will Starc's performance have on the series?
- How are the pitch and weather conditions affecting play?
Common question
More on these topics
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Joseph Edward Root MBE is an English international cricketer who is the current captain of England in Test cricket. He also represents Yorkshire domestically.
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Mitchell Aaron Starc is an Australian international cricketer who plays for the Australian national team and New South Wales in domestic cricket. He is a left-arm fast bowler and a capable lower order left-handed batsman.
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Zak Crawley is an English professional cricketer who plays for Kent County Cricket Club. He was born in Bromley in south-east London and was educated at Tonbridge School.
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Australia, officially known as the Commonwealth of Australia, is a sovereign country comprising the mainland of the Australian continent, the island of Tasmania, and numerous smaller islands.