Joe Root Shines with First Century in Australia to Keep England Afloat in Ashes 2025
Joe Root made headlines on the first day of the second Ashes Test, achieving his first century in Australia. His performance was crucial in keeping England competitive against Australia in Brisbane. Root scored 135 not out, marking a significant milestone in his international career.
England’s Performance in the Ashes 2025
The day-night conditions at the Gabba set the stage for an exciting match. Root was initially fortunate, having been dropped on just two runs. He reached his century after playing 30 matches in Australia, igniting celebrations among the English supporters present.
Key Moments from the Match
- Joe Root reached his century in the 30th Test match played in Australia.
- He contributed 135 not out, alongside Jofra Archer, who scored 32 runs.
- Root and Archer formed a solid last-wicket partnership, adding 61 runs together.
- England finished the day at 325-9, despite a challenging start.
Mitchell Starc was a standout player for Australia, finishing with figures of 6 for 71. His early strikes put pressure on the English side, taking wickets with his initial deliveries. Starc’s continuous threat highlighted England’s struggles under the lights.
Partnerships and Contributions
Root’s innings featured a crucial partnership of 117 runs with Zak Crawley, who scored 76 runs. Together, they steadied the innings after an initial collapse. Harry Brook contributed 54 runs before a costly mistake led to his dismissal.
The team’s performance was characterized by moments of tension and excitement. Ben Stokes faced difficulty with 19 runs off 49 balls before being run out. Jamie Smith’s dismissal left England in a precarious position at 211-6.
As the day concluded, Root celebrated his century with flair, even executing a reverse-scoop for a six off Scott Boland. The final moments of the day saw Root and Archer displaying aggressive batting, adding a thrilling finish to a gripping day of cricket.
