England's Rollercoaster First Innings

The Day 1  2nd Test of Ashes ended with England delivering a dramatic and unpredictable batting performance. England’s batting saw Joe Root end his century jinx in Australia with a stellar knock of 135* from 202 balls. Root held on to the innings when careless dismissals plagued the top order. England finished at 325/9 in 74 overs, their first score over 300 in Australia since January 2018.

It was not only the first century of Root in Australia, but also his 40th in Tests. England was undergoing initial setbacks, but it remained firm with the stabilizing influence of Root. However, it was a roller coaster day, and the batting of England was made a marred one by several ducks, among whom were four who fell without hitting the mark. The threat was predominantly that of Mitchell Starc, who took 6 wickets with 71 runs, and set the record for the most wickets by a left-arm fast bowler in Tests.

Early Struggles and Roots' Partnership with Crawley

The pink-ball master of Mitchell Starc got in on the early action, and within his opening two overs, he had picked up two wickets. Ben Duckett had gone out after a golden duck, and then Ollie Pope, a second duck, and England had fought out at 5/2. The pursuit was re-enacted when the Root and Zak Crawley retaliated and formed a third wicket partnership of 135 runs. Having suffered a hard start to the series, Crawley bounced back with a great 76 off 93 balls.

Starc’s pace was keeping the batters of England on their toes. Crawley, though oddly enough, with a couple of narrow escapes, displayed superb timing and an aggressive mind. On the 15th, Crawley survived a caught behind appeal against Michael Neser; no Australia appeal was taken, but playback showed there was a slight edge. 

The Middle Session and Late Flurry

Following tea, England changed strategy, though the middle session that appeared best at batting turned into a battlefield. Starc came back to win the vital wicket of Harry Brook. Brook tried a brave scoop shot off Starc’s delivery, but was caught on the second slip, and this gave Starc another wicket in his collection.

England was at 210/4, and this was put under massive pressure by England, but this went in favour of Australia as Stokes was run out after he had scored one run by Josh Inglis. Scott Boland threw Jamie Smith a delivery that skidded straight, and England found itself in a very difficult situation at 211-6.

Will Jacks, the only change in England made to replace Mark Wood with an all-rounder, stood his ground and stood firm with Root during a difficult time despite the loss of wickets. Starc continued his remarkable run, disposing of Jacks and sweeping the lower order out of the way.

Root and Archer’s Late Resistance

The lower order of England was shattered, and to lend the opening day an additional twist, Root and Jofra Archer made a 61-run partnership unbroken. This performance helped England to gain a competitive edge, and this was supported by the grit of Root and the attacking prowess of Archer.

Australia, on their part, played without their captain, Pat Cummins, though there were speculations that he could have made a surprise comeback. Quebecian Michael Neser was selected instead of Nathan Lyon, making it the second home Test Lyon had not played since his debut.

By the time England finished the day, both teams had been wearing black armbands in memory of the late Robin Smith, who had been a former England batter who died earlier that week in Perth.