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The second Test of the Ashes 2025/26 series began with a day of high drama and contrasting fortunes at the Brisbane Cricket Ground (The Gabba). After England won the toss and elected to bat first, the visitors endured a catastrophic start before being salvaged by an exceptional, unbeaten century from former captain Joe Root.
Australia’s Destructive Start
The home side capitalized immediately on the new ball, making quick inroads into the English top order and putting England under immense pressure.
Pace Strikes Early: Australia’s pace attack, led by Mitchell Starc, removed two key wickets almost instantly, as both Ben Duckett and Ollie Pope were dismissed for ducks, leaving England reeling.
Starc’s Command: Starc remained the constant, terrifying threat throughout the day, exploiting the conditions expertly to dismantle the English batting lineup. He finished the day with a phenomenal haul of six wickets.
England’s Resilience: Root Takes Charge
Despite the initial collapse and the consistent pressure from the Australian attack, England fought back strongly through essential partnerships.
- Crawley’s Anchor: Opener Zak Crawley provided crucial stability, scoring a vital 76 runs to set a foundation before his dismissal.
- Middle Order Contributions: Harry Brook added a brisk 31 runs, while Captain Ben Stokes (19) and Will Jacks (19) contributed briefly before falling to the relentless Australian attack.
- Root’s Unbeaten Masterpiece: The entire innings was ultimately rescued and defined by Joe Root’s magnificent performance. Ignoring the wickets falling around him, Root batted through the day, compiling an unbeaten 135 runs. His brilliant knock, featuring 15 fours and one maximum, ensured England finished the day with a competitive total, pushing the match into a balanced state heading into Day 2.
Summary of Play
Australia’s bowlers achieved their primary objective of securing early wickets, but Joe Root’s individual brilliance—backed by Crawley’s steady start—prevented a total collapse. The home side will need its remaining bowlers to wrap up the English innings swiftly tomorrow morning.
At Stumps, Day 1: England finished the day with a respectable total, largely thanks to Root’s effort, with Joe Root (135)* still at the crease.
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