SBOTOP : Root’s Brilliant Century Leads England to 334 All Out in Second Ashes Test

England were finally dismissed for 334 runs in their first innings of the day-night second Ashes Test at the Gabba on Friday, with Joe Root standing unbeaten on a magnificent 138—his maiden century on Australian soil and the 40th of his illustrious career. The total marked both a valiant recovery from disaster and a missed opportunity for England, who at one stage appeared poised for a far bigger score.

Root had begun day two on 135 not out, resuming alongside Jofra Archer, with England 325-9 after an unexpectedly turbulent opening day. The pair managed to add only nine further runs before Archer fell for a career-best 38, undone by a brilliant leaping catch from Marnus Labuschagne off Brendan Doggett. Even so, their 70-run stand for the tenth wicket—a new England record at the Gabba—proved vital in pushing the visitors beyond 300.

A Recovery Led by Root After Early Collapse

England’s innings had appeared destined for disaster after they slumped to 5-2, losing both Ben Duckett and Ollie Pope for ducks in the space of four deliveries to a fiery opening burst from Mitchell Starc. But Root, the world’s top-ranked Test batsman, produced one of the finest Ashes innings of his career, guiding England out of trouble with trademark calmness and precision.

Alongside him, Zak Crawley rediscovered his touch after a pair of ducks in Perth, compiling a fluent 76 in a crucial 117-run partnership with Root. Crawley should have departed much earlier, but Australia’s fielders squandered two early chances—Steve Smith dropping a one-handed effort at slip from Root, and Scott Boland failing to cling onto a firm return catch from Crawley.

By the tea interval on day one, England had steadied themselves at 98-2 despite the scorching Brisbane heat. They continued to accumulate steadily through the late afternoon, reaching 196-4 by dinner.

Starc Makes History With Six-Wicket Haul

Just when England seemed positioned to push past 400, Mitchell Starc intervened decisively. The 35-year-old left-arm quick dismantled England’s middle and lower order with a spell of aggressive, pinpoint fast bowling. His 6-75 not only dominated England’s batting card but also elevated him past Wasim Akram to become the most successful left-arm fast bowler in Test history, with 415 wickets.

Starc removed Harry Brook for 31, bowled Jamie Smith for a duck, and surged through the tail with familiar ruthlessness. He ended the day visibly sore after 19 taxing overs under lights, but satisfied with his performance.

“It’s a tough day’s cricket,” Starc admitted. “Once the pink ball goes soft, scoring becomes difficult—but bowling does too.”

Despite Australia’s first-day frustrations—having dropped Root and Crawley early—Starc ensured that England could never fully break free.

Archer and Root Pull England Back From the Brink

England might have been dismissed far below 300 had Root not found resilience from an unlikely source. Archer, playing his first Test innings in Australia, showed impressive composure and technique, striking 32 not out in the unbroken final-wicket partnership on day one.

On day two, Archer added another six runs before Labuschagne’s moment of brilliance ended the stand. Root, however, remained unbeaten on 138 from 205 balls, an innings that blended patience, precision, and flashes of aggression—especially under the evening floodlights, when the ball began to zip around.

Australia’s Selection Gambles and England’s Adjustments

Australia entered the match with a selection shock, omitting veteran spinner Nathan Lyon for the first home Test since 2012. In his place came all-round seamer Michael Neser, strengthening a four-pronged fast-bowling attack. With Usman Khawaja sidelined through injury, Travis Head shifted up to open following his match-winning century in Perth.

England, meanwhile, made alterations of their own, leaving out Mark Wood and bringing in spin-bowling all-rounder Will Jacks, who contributed 19 before falling to a loose stroke off Smith at slip.

The Ashes series stands at 1-0 in Australia’s favour, with the hosts unbeaten against England at the Gabba since 1986—a record England desperately hope to challenge with Root’s monumental effort underpinning their total.

A Platform, but Not a Perfect One

Despite Root’s heroics and glimpses of resilience from the lower order, England will feel they left runs on the table. Losing five wickets for 54 runs between the afternoon and evening sessions damaged their momentum, and only Root’s unshakeable presence prevented collapse.

Still, a total of 334 gives England something to bowl at under the Gabba lights—conditions that traditionally favour seam movement.

As Australia prepares to begin their reply, the spotlight will fall on Root’s masterclass, Starc’s milestone, and the question looming over the second Test: Have England done enough to turn their Ashes fortunes around?

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