Brisbane Test (D/N): Heroics of Root, Starc headline Day 1
What's the story
The opening day of the 2nd Ashes Test between Australia and England at The Gabba, Brisbane, was eventful. Joe Root's incredible century, his first Down Under, powered England to 325/9 in the pink-ball affair. An unbeaten 61-run stand between Root and Jofra Archer for the final wicket bolstered England. Mitchell Starc's six-wicket haul earlier perturbed England, who elected to bat on a spicy deck.
Start
Fiery start from StarcÂ
Mitchell Starc once again dazzled with the pink ball, giving Australia a breakthrough in the first over. He sent Ben Duckett back for a golden duck. While Michael Neser started the proceedings with Starc, the latter removed Ollie Pope for a three-ball duck in his next over. Starc was on fire as Zak Crawley and Root joined forces.
Crawley
Crawley shines with counter-attacking half-century
Although the Australian seamers looked threatening with the pink ball, Crawley wasn't dragged on the back foot. He smashed boundaries against all Starc, Neser, Scott Boland, and Cameron Green. Partnering with Root, the England opener brought up his half-century in the 21st over. However, Neser broke the partnership by removing Crawley in the 28th over. The latter's 93-ball 76 had 11 fours.
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Crawley joins these names
According to Cricbuzz, Crawley now has the third-highest individual score for England openers after a pair in the previous Test. He is only behind Michael Atherton (108 vs SA, 1999) and Geoff Pullar (83 vs India, 1961).
Proceedings
England touch 200 despite losing wickets
England didn't crumble immediately after a 117-run stand between Crawley and Root. Harry Brook came out with a positive intent and smashed a 33-ball 31 (4 fours) before falling to Starc. While Root held his fort, England propelled past 170, losing four wickets. Ben Stokes helped England touch the 200-run mark thereafter. However, he was involved in an untimely run-out, leaving England at 210/5.
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England avoid another potential collapse
England were staring at a collapse, at 211/6, with the early departure of Jamie Smith. Boland knocked him over for a two-ball duck. However, a handy knock from Will Jacks (19) gave Root the cushion to chase his century. With this, England raced past 250.