Despite the late blows inflicted by Joe Root, the opening day of the second Ashes Test belonged to Australia thanks to a collective batting performance. Steve Smith, who was involved in two century partnerships, is unbeaten on 85 and will be eyeing a daddy hundred on the morrow.
Root teased half-centurion Travis Head with a wide floaty ball that spun further away. The southpaw was advancing down the track and couldn’t make contact. Jonny Bairstow managed to hold no to the ball and bring the bails down in time to stump Head. Cameron Green fell in the same over, undone by extra bounce as he attempted a pull, hitting the ball only as far as James Anderson at mid-off. Australia lost their fifth wicket for 316.
The visitors went into Lunch as the happier team despite Usman Khawaja’s departure and needed to continue the good work post the break, but half-centurion Warner was knocked over on the other side by Josh Tongue, leaving Australia at 96/2. Smith led the repair job with Marnus Labuschagne (47), completing 9000 Test runs in the process to become the fastest Australian to the mark and the second-fastest overall.
Joe Root strikes twice in an over and Australia are 5️⃣ down! #EnglandCricket | #Ashes pic.twitter.com/wmn9hC5K6c
— England Cricket (@englandcricket) June 28, 2023
