Day-Night Ashes Test: Root, Archer set this 10th-wicket partnership record
What's the story
England's Joe Root and Jofra Archer have created a new record for the highest-ever 10th wicket partnership in a day-night Test match. The duo achieved this feat in the first innings of of the second Ashes Test against Australia at the Gabba in Brisbane. Their stand of 70 runs surpassed New Zealand's Tom Blundell and Blair Tickner's previous record of 59 runs against England in Mount Maunganui in 2023, as per ESPNcricinfo.
Match details
England's batting performance in the match
England won the toss and chose to bat first. After Mitchell Starc (6/75) dismissed both Ben Duckett and Ollie Pope for ducks, Root forged a 117-run partnership with Zak Crawley (76 off 93 balls). He then added another half-century stand with Harry Brook (31 off 33 balls). However, Australia struck back with a brilliant run-out by Josh Inglis to dismiss England captain Ben Stokes (19) and reduce them to 264/9.
Century milestone
Root's maiden Test century in Australia
Root scored his first-ever Test century on Australian soil, reaching the landmark in 181 balls. He became the second Englishman after Maurice Leyland to score a century on the opening day of a Gabba Test and the eighth overall for England. Root (138* off 206 balls) and Archer (38 off 36 balls) helped England finish Day 1 at 325/9, and England's innings concluded at 334 early on Day 2 after Archer's dismissal.
Information
40th Test century for Root
Overall, Root completed his 40th century in Test cricket. He became only the fourth player to touch the 40-century mark in the format, joining Sachin Tendulkar (51), Jacques Kallis (45), and Ricky Ponting (41). Root also has 66 half-centuries to his name in the format.