The Ashes: Joe Root’s first ton in Australia keeps England afloat
Joe Root finally made a century in Australia to keep England afloat on the thrilling first day of the second Ashes Test in Brisbane.
Down for two as day-night conditions fostered theatre, Root tickled Scott Boland for four to reach three figures in the 30th attempt in Australia.
While this sparked wild celebrations in the raucous corner of the English support at the Gabba, Root merely removed his helmet and shrugged his way towards the visitors’ dugout.
Although Mitchell Starc once again defeated England 6-71, Root reached 135 and added an unbroken 61 for the last wicket with Jofra Archer, taking the tourists to 325-9.
Root arrived in broad daylight, with just 15 balls remaining in the match and England threatening a blowout in return for a first Test defeat as they slumped to 5-2.
Starc was exciting and took both wickets in his first nine balls. The left-armer continued to be a threat throughout the day and led the attack as the Australian was again without captain Pat Cummins and left off-spinner Nathan Lyon out in the home test for the first time since 2012.
Root built back up to a 117-run stand with Zak Crawley making an impressive opener with a much-needed 76. Root also added 54 with Harry Brook, whose inexplicably loose drive from Starc’s second ball at dusk turned most of England’s day into a struggle.
England had to be crushed under the lights. Ben Stokes took 49 overs from 19 overs before he was run out after asking Root for a non-existent single. The tourists were again faltering at 211-6 when Jamie Smith conceded to Boland for England’s third duck of the day.
Will Jacks remained loyal to Root but gained an advantage to move ahead of Starc as Root had 98 points. On the next tour, amid almost unbearable tension, Root finally had his moment in Australia.
There was still time for Root and Archer to confront Australia’s tiring attack with 44 riotous balls before the close. Archer is not 32 years old from 26 births.
Archer hit two sixes while Root celebrated his ton with a distinctive reverse swing from Boland. It was great fun after a frustrating day.
