Joe Root's Stellar Performance Leads England to 384 in Final Ashes Test

In a thrilling display at the Sydney Cricket Ground, Joe Root's remarkable 160 runs led England to a total of 384 in their first innings against Australia in the final Ashes Test. With Michael Neser taking four wickets, the match showcased intense competition. As England resumed their innings, Root's performance not only highlighted his skill but also placed him among the top scorers in Test history. This article delves into the key moments of the match, including partnerships and standout performances, setting the stage for an exciting conclusion to the Ashes series.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jan 5, 2026, 10:04 IST

England's Strong First Innings in Sydney

In the fifth and final Ashes Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground, England's Joe Root delivered an outstanding performance, helping his team to a total of 384 runs in their first innings. Australian bowler Michael Neser was impressive, claiming four wickets during the match.

By the end of Day 2's tea break, England had been bowled out for 384 runs in 97.3 overs, with Root contributing a remarkable 160 runs off 242 balls, including 15 boundaries.

The second session of Day 2 began with England resuming their innings at 336/6 after 78 overs, with Will Jacks (3 runs off 11 balls) and Root (138 runs off 200 balls) at the crease.

Jacks started aggressively, hitting a six off Marnus Labuschagne's second delivery of the session. England reached 351/6 after 82 overs.

Continuing his aggressive play, Jacks struck boundaries against Mitchell Starc and Scott Boland in the following overs.

Root maintained his excellent form, achieving his 17th score of 150 or more in Test cricket, reaching this milestone in 226 deliveries during the last ball of the 89th over.

This achievement placed him ahead of Sri Lankan legend Mahela Jayawardene (16) for the fifth-most 150-plus scores in Test history, trailing only Don Bradman (18), Kumar Sangakkara (19), Brian Lara (19), and Sachin Tendulkar (20).

Neser ended the 52-run partnership for the seventh wicket by dismissing Jacks for 27 runs off 62 balls. England's score stood at 375/7 after 92 overs.

Cameron Green then took Brydon Carse's wicket for just one run, followed by Neser claiming two more wickets in the 98th over, dismissing Root for 160 and Josh Tongue for a duck, concluding England's first innings.

For Australia, the bowling attack featured Mitchell Starc (2/93), Michael Neser (4/60), and Scott Boland (2/85) as key wicket-takers.

Earlier, England won the toss and opted to bat first. Day 1 saw only 45 overs played due to rain and poor light, which halted play after the third session.

Openers Zak Crawley (16 runs off 29 balls) and Ben Duckett (27 runs off 24 balls) formed a 35-run partnership for the first wicket.

Jacob Bethell was dismissed after scoring 10 runs off 23 balls, but Root and Harry Brook steadied the innings, helping England surpass the 100-run mark in the first session.

In the first session, Australia’s bowlers—Mitchell Starc, Scott Boland, and Michael Neser—each took one wicket.

The second session saw England take control, reaching 155/3 after 33 overs. Root reached his fifty in 65 balls, while Brook also achieved his half-century shortly after.

The visitors crossed the 200-run mark in the 42nd over, with Root and Brook forming a significant 150-run partnership for the fourth wicket, putting England in a strong position before rain interrupted the third session on Day 1.

Brief Scores: England: 384 (Joe Root 160, Harry Brook 84*, Michael Neser 4/60, Scott Boland 2/75) vs Australia.