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

England's First Innings Highlights

In a remarkable display, Joe Root's exceptional batting helped England secure a total of 384 runs during their first innings in the fifth and final Ashes Test against Australia at the Sydney Cricket Ground on Monday. Michael Neser from Australia was the standout bowler, claiming four wickets.

Day 2 Tea Summary

By the time Tea was taken on Day 2, England had been bowled out for 384 runs in 97.3 overs. Root's impressive innings included 160 runs off 242 balls, featuring 15 boundaries.

England's Day 2 Innings Breakdown

The second session of Day 2 commenced with England resuming at 336/6 in 78 overs, with Will Jacks (3 runs off 11 balls) and Root (138 runs off 200 balls) at the crease. Jacks began aggressively, hitting a six off Marnus Labuschagne's second delivery of the session. England reached 351/6 after 82 overs, with Jacks continuing to score boundaries against Mitchell Starc and Scott Boland.

Root's Record Achievement

Root's outstanding form was evident as he recorded his 17th score of 150 or more in Test cricket, achieving this milestone in 226 deliveries during the last ball of the 89th over. This performance allowed him to surpass Sri Lankan legend Mahela Jayawardene, becoming the fifth player with the most 150-plus scores in Tests. The players ahead of him include Don Bradman (18), Kumar Sangakkara (19), Brian Lara (19), and Sachin Tendulkar (20).

Australia Concludes England's Innings

Michael Neser ended the 52-run partnership for the seventh wicket by dismissing Jacks for 27 runs off 62 balls. Following this, Cameron Green took Brydon Carse's wicket for just one run, and Neser claimed two more wickets in the 98th over, dismissing Root for 160 and Josh Tongue for a duck, thus concluding England's first innings.

Bowling Performance for Australia

For Australia, the bowling attack was led by Mitchell Starc (2 wickets for 93 runs), Michael Neser (4 wickets for 60 runs), and Scott Boland (2 wickets for 85 runs).

Recap of Day 1

Earlier, England won the toss and opted to bat first. Day 1 saw only 45 overs bowled 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 scored 10 runs before Root and Harry Brook stabilized the innings, helping England surpass the 100-run mark.

Day 1's Second Session

The second session was dominated by England, who reached 155/3 after 33 overs. Root achieved his fifty in 65 balls, while Brook also reached his half-century shortly after. The visitors crossed the 200-run mark in the 42nd over, with Root and Brook forming a significant partnership, putting England in a strong position before rain interrupted the third session.

Match Summary

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