Joe Root Urges England to Strike Early on Day 3 of Ashes Test

As the second Ashes Test unfolds at the Gabba, Joe Root urges his England teammates to focus on taking Australia's remaining wickets early on Day 3. With Australia leading by 44 runs, Root believes that the deteriorating pitch could pose challenges later in the match. He emphasizes the need for confidence and teamwork to set a substantial target, crucial for batting last. Root's unbeaten 138 runs in the first innings highlight his pivotal role as England aims to shift the momentum in their favor. Discover more about Root's insights and England's strategy in this gripping match.

By Narendra Chaudhary Dec 6, 2025, 02:11 IST

Root Calls for Early Wickets Against Australia

Brisbane [Australia], December 5: Joe Root, the prominent batter for England, highlighted the importance of securing Australia's remaining four wickets promptly on Day 3 of the second Ashes Test at the Gabba. After England's first innings total of 334 runs, Australia took a commanding lead by the end of Day 2, finishing at 378/6, thanks to half-centuries from Jake Weatherald, Marnus Labuschagne, and captain Steve Smith. Alex Carey (46*) and Michael Neser (15*) were at the crease when play concluded.

Root emphasized that England needs to focus on taking those wickets early to remain competitive. He noted that the pitch is starting to show signs of wear, which could complicate batting later in the match, making the morning session critical.

"If we can execute our plans effectively in the morning and work together as a team, we can position ourselves strongly on a pitch that appears to be deteriorating. However, our immediate focus must be on tomorrow morning and getting it right," Root stated in an interview with TNT Sports, as reported by a sports news outlet.

He further mentioned that if England's batters approach their innings with confidence and utilize their skills effectively, they could set a substantial target, which is vital since batting last on this pitch may prove challenging.

"When we take to the field with the bat, our talented squad can perform well on this surface to achieve a significant score, which could be tough for the team batting last," Root added.

Root acknowledged that while there is still work ahead, England remains very much in the contest. He stressed the importance of starting Day 3 with enthusiasm and a positive mindset, believing that their best performance could quickly change the game's dynamics. He is confident that with the right approach, they can turn the match in their favor.

"We have more work to do tomorrow, but we are definitely in this game. Above all, we need to bring a lot of energy and positivity. We know that our best cricket can change the course of a match rapidly, so we will arrive tomorrow with the right mindset. If we perform close to our best, this game can shift in our favor very quickly," the right-handed batter concluded.

Earlier in the match, Joe Root achieved his first century in Australia and his 40th overall, remaining unbeaten on 138 runs while the rest of the England batting lineup fell.