Root shines with 160 as Head’s unbeaten 91 leads the charge
Australia 166 for 2 (Head 91*, Stokes 2-30) trail England 384 (Root 160, Brook 84, Neser 4-60) by 218 runs. On a second day filled with perplexing cricket, a frequent theme in this series, Joe Root and Travis Head delivered stunning displays as the Ashes finale appears likely to extend further. The fifth Test is set to proceed into at least the fourth day—and potentially a fifth—after Root’s 160 and Head’s not out 91 off 87 balls took the spotlight at the SCG. After the first day’s action was limited to 45 overs due to Sydney’s unpredictable weather season, Root thoroughly dominated the earlier part of the day, achieving his 41st Test century and joining Ricky Ponting in third place on the all-time century rankings. In what could be his final Test appearance on Australian soil, Root became the ninth wicket to fall in a 242-ball exhibition that complements his much-anticipated Ashes tour century in Brisbane. He propelled England to a respectable first-innings total, but at the day’s conclusion, it seemed a bit lackluster after Head responded in typically aggressive style. Root and Harry Brook had made batting look relatively simple on day one, but the SCG pitch quickened overnight, with unpredictable bounce becoming a challenge for batters. Root negated Australia’s seam-heavy attack with skillful batting, yet England could not capitalize sufficiently after losing 4 for 9, bowled out for 384. Once thought impossible at this venue, spin wasn’t introduced until the 72nd over, with Head and seam allrounder Beau Webster—who briefly switched to offspin—combining for five overs over the 97.3 overs of England’s innings. The ongoing debate over the exclusion of offspinner Todd Murphy continues as spin appears to slowly fade in Test cricket in Australia, yet the frontline quicks worked hard and responded well with the second new ball that provided plenty of assistance. Michael Neser, who had perhaps been under-utilized, quickly wrapped up England’s innings, taking four wickets for 60 runs from 18.3 overs, highlighted by a stunning diving catch to finally dismiss Root. After leaving some runs on the field, England needed to be disciplined both with the ball and in the field during the increasingly overcast conditions. However, they struggled, as Brydon Carse failed to replicate his strong performance in favorable conditions at the MCG, while Matthew Potts, nervous on his Ashes debut, conceded 25 runs off his initial three overs. Potts was unlucky when Jake Weatherald, on 9, cut to a leaping Root, who was unable to hold onto the chance at first slip. Weatherald, then on 14, had a straightforward chance dropped by Ben Duckett at forward square, leaving Carse feeling dejected. Travis Head capitalized on England’s wayward lengths, while Weatherald faced significant challenges as he seeks to maintain a position in the team following a disappointing series thus far. Weatherald tried to force his way out of trouble but never appeared comfortable and was later trapped lbw by a full delivery from Ben Stokes on 21, reminiscent of some of his dismissals earlier in the series. Marnus Labuschagne’s recent form has also been questioned as it has gradually declined during the series. However, he remained untested by the inconsistent English bowlers while Head became the first player since Steven Smith in 2019 to accumulate 500 runs in an Ashes series. He struck consecutive fours to reach his half-century off 55 balls while Labuschagne exhibited some fluidity. Yet, Labuschagne lost focus and edged to gully on 48, much to Stokes’ delight after a brief exchange of words earlier. There wasn’t sufficient time for Head to reach his century as stumps were called one delivery into the final over after rain halted play when Neser, the nightwatchman, was struck on the elbow by Stokes. The late dismissal of Labuschagne provided a much-needed morale boost for England, who had appeared to be lagging similar to earlier in the series. To compound matters, Root seemed to have a back spasm and spent the latter part of the day off the field, although he managed to fulfill media commitments post-play. England would have wished to be in a stronger position when the day’s play commenced 30 minutes early, resuming at 211 for 3. However, their plans unraveled as Brook and Stokes were dismissed before the original 10.30 am start. Smith initiated play by setting defensive fields to frustrate Brook, who had typically shown uncharacteristic restraint during day one. Root and Brook soon established the highest partnership of the series from either side, surpassing the 162-run stand by Head and Alex Carey in Adelaide. But Brook squandered a golden chance for a maiden Ashes century, falling meekly on 84 when he edged Scott Boland to Smith at first slip after tentatively hanging his bat outside off. This marked Brook’s sixth unconverted half-century in Ashes cricket, falling just short of his highest score against Australia—85 at the Oval in 2023. Stokes’ arrival galvanised nemesis Mitchell Starc, who was off-target on day one by his lofty series standards. Starc once again troubled Stokes and delivered a remarkable delivery that reared off a length, sending him back to the pavilion for an 11-ball duck following an overturned decision. This marked the fifth time he had dismissed Stokes during the series and the 14th overall in Test cricket. For the first time, England was on the verge of squandering a favorable position. Jamie Smith, however, was unwilling to engage in a cautious rebuild, producing a bizarre yet relatively fruitful innings of 46 in a crucial 94-run partnership with Root. Root displayed commanding form, although he had a nervous moment on 94 when a favored guide edged over both slips. Soon enough, Root was celebrating with raised fists after securing his first away Ashes century in a red-ball fixture. Smith, on the other hand, rode his luck, combining powerful strokes with moments of recklessness. This series has been marred by careless cricket, hitting a low point during the first session. While on 22, Smith seemed to have carelessly gifted his wicket by chipping it directly to cover, only for a frustrated Green to have overstepped. Smith appeared oblivious to the chaos and on the next delivery edged between Carey and Webster at first slip, both watching helplessly as the ball raced to the boundary. Watching this unfold with a glum expression, Root remained unfazed, and normalcy returned whenever he was on strike. The partnership ultimately flourished as part-timers Head and Labuschagne were utilized before the forthcoming second new ball. In what should have been a relatively straightforward batting spell, Smith gave it away on a poor delivery hurled by Labuschagne, hitting it straight to deep cover. Will Jacks, however, proved to be more judicious, contributing to a vital 52-run partnership with Root, who reached 150 for the 17th time in his career. England seemed well-positioned to surpass 400, but Neser looked nearly unplayable with the second new ball as Root departed to a standing ovation from a grateful audience of 46,586.
Published: 2026-01-05 07:44:00
source: www.espncricinfo.com
