Ashes 2025: Day 2 Highlights as England and Australia Battle at SCG

The second day of the Ashes 2025 finale was marked by Joe Root's remarkable 160 runs, leading England to a total of 384. Australia responded with a solid performance, ending the day at 162 for 2, trailing by 218 runs. Key partnerships and standout performances from both teams set the stage for an exciting Day 3 at the Sydney Cricket Ground. Tensions flared on the field, adding to the drama of this crucial Test match.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jan 5, 2026, 15:29 IST

Day 2 Overview of the Ashes Finale

The second day of the Ashes 2025 finale showcased an intense competition, with Joe Root's impressive 160 runs helping England reach a total of 384. Australia responded with a solid performance, ending the day at 162 for 2, trailing by 218 runs, setting the stage for an exciting Day 3 at the Sydney Cricket Ground.

Key Performances and Partnerships

On January 5, the fifth Test of the Ashes series saw both teams vying for dominance. After dismissing England for 384, Australia finished Day 2 with Travis Head and nightwatchman Michael Neser at the crease, scoring 91 and 1, respectively. This created a tense atmosphere for the upcoming day as both teams aimed to gain momentum.

Joe Root, the former England captain, achieved his second century of the series, resuming his innings at 72 off 103 balls and reaching his 41st Test century in just 33 additional balls. His remarkable innings of 160 off 242 balls anchored England's batting effort.

Root's Impact and Partnerships

Root's performance marked a significant turnaround, as he transitioned from having no centuries in Australia to scoring two in this series. His innings sparked discussions about his potential to surpass Sachin Tendulkar's Test records for runs and centuries.

A notable 169-run partnership with Harry Brook for the fourth wicket helped England recover from a precarious position of 57 for 3. Following this, Root and Jamie Smith formed a crucial 94-run stand for the sixth wicket, stabilizing England's innings before the team ultimately collapsed to 384 all out.

Bowling Highlights

Australian bowler Michael Neser stood out with his economical bowling, taking 4 wickets for 60 runs in 18.3 overs. His performance included dismissing key players like Zak Crawley and Joe Root, preventing England from exceeding the 400-run mark.

Travis Head's Counterattack

In response to Root's innings, Travis Head launched an aggressive counterattack, scoring an unbeaten 91 off 87 balls, including 15 boundaries. His performance not only put pressure back on England's bowlers but also marked his achievement of over 500 runs in the series, a first for an Australian southpaw in a Test series.

Tensions Rise on the Field

The day also saw tensions escalate between England's captain Ben Stokes and Australian batter Marnus Labuschagne during the final session. After a heated exchange, Stokes ultimately dismissed Labuschagne for 48 runs, ending a significant partnership and reasserting England's control.