Root’s Lone Resistance as Australia Close Day Two with Upper Hand in Sydney Test

 



After the Joe Root–Harry Brook partnership was broken, only Jamie Smith and Will Jacks offered brief resistance as England’s batting crumbled in the fifth Ashes Test. Having slumped to 57 for 3, England failed to capitalise on the Root–Brook stand, with the rest of the batting order unable to provide sustained support. Ben Stokes’ side was eventually bowled out for 384 in their first innings. In reply, Australia reached 166 for 2 by stumps on Day Two, still trailing England by 218 runs at Sydney.

Scott Boland ended the crucial Root–Brook partnership on Monday, dismissing Brook for a well-made 84. At the other end, Root stood firm, producing a composed and authoritative innings of 160 runs, studded with 15 boundaries. His 169-run partnership with Brook was the backbone of England’s total and briefly lifted them into a competitive position.

Despite Root holding one end resolutely, support from the rest of the lineup was minimal. Captain Ben Stokes endured a rare failure, departing for a duck. Wicketkeeper-batter Jamie Smith showed some fight, scoring 46 off 76 balls, while Will Jacks contributed 27. Once Jacks fell, Root was left increasingly isolated. Brydon Carse managed just 1, and with no partners left, Root’s resistance finally ended when he was caught off Michael Neser’s bowling.

Neser was Australia’s most effective bowler in the first innings, claiming 4 wickets for 60 runs. Boland chipped in with 2 for 85, while Mitchell Starc also took 2 wickets for 93. Marnus Labuschagne and Cameron Green picked up one wicket each.

Australia’s reply got off to a slightly shaky start, with opener Jack Weatherald (21) dismissed early by Stokes. However, the visitors quickly stabilised through a solid second-wicket partnership between Labuschagne and Travis Head, worth 95 runs. Labuschagne fell for a well made 48 to Stokes  just when he looked set for a much awaited big score , but Head remained unbeaten at the close of play.

Playing with trademark aggression, Head was in sublime touch, finishing the day on 91 not out from just 87 deliveries, striking 15 fours in typical Head fashion hitting glorious shots particularly on the offsode . He was accompanied at the crease by Neser (1), as Australia ended Day Two firmly placed, with the match delicately poised heading into the third day.

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