The second Ashes Test at Brisbane's Gabba is exquisitely balanced after a pulsating first day, where England, powered by a monumental century from Joe Root, recovered from a disastrous start to post a formidable 325 for nine at stumps.
Early Carnage and Root's Rescue Mission
Having won the toss and chosen to bat, England's innings began in nightmare fashion. Australia's pace spearhead, Mitchell Starc, was immediately devastating, removing openers Ben Duckett and Ollie Pope with the scoreboard reading a perilous five runs for two wickets. The tourists, already 1-0 down in the series and returning to Australia's feared 'Gabbatoir', were on the ropes.
Out strode Joe Root in just the fifth over, facing a monumental salvage operation. The former captain displayed immense resilience, methodically rebuilding the innings alongside a fluent Zak Crawley, who made a vital 76 from 93 deliveries.
A Historic Century and Late-Order Assault
Root's knock was one for the history books. The 34-year-old Yorkshireman finally registered his maiden Test century on Australian soil, bringing up the 40th hundred of his illustrious 159-Test career. He remained unbeaten at the close on a magnificent 135 from 202 balls.
Australia, despite the controversial decision to drop spinner Nathan Lyon for a fifth seamer in Michael Neser, fought back in the final session. Starc claimed two more wickets to finish the day with a six-wicket haul, and a brilliant run-out by Josh Inglis dismissed Ben Stokes, leaving England at 264-9.
Archer's Blitz Tilts the Momentum
Just as Australia sensed a chance to bowl England out, the final-wicket pair of Root and Jofra Archer launched a stunning counter-attack. Archer smashed a whirlwind 32 from just 26 balls, and the duo added an unbroken fifty-run partnership to frustrate the hosts and heap pressure on the selectors' call to omit Lyon.
Their aggressive stand has given England the psychological edge overnight, turning a position of parity into one of clear ascendancy. The partnership will resume on day two, with Root eyeing an even bigger total.
The stage is set for another gripping day of Ashes cricket at the Gabba, with play scheduled to begin at 3pm AEST. England will aim to push past 350, while Australia's bowlers will be desperate for an early breakthrough to restrict the damage.
