The second Test of the 2025–26 The Ashes resumed at The Gabba in Brisbane and what a first day it turned into. England, after a shaky start, ended the session at dinner on 4-196, with Root finally silencing his long-standing Aussie hoodoo.
Australia’s bowling attack, featuring the deadly left arm swing of Mitchell Starc and a recall for Michael Neser, struck early. Starc claimed a key wicket of No. 5 Harry Brook, while Neser picked up his first Test scalp in three years by dismissing Zak Crawley.
Yet Crawley and Root steadied the innings after those two early blows. Their 117-run partnership put England back in the driver’s seat. Root controlling the pace with characteristic poise, Crawley offering gritty resistance before falling for 76.
As dusk fell, the pink ball began shaping the contest. Starc tightened the screws again, picking off Brook for just 31, a timely wicket that reminded everyone why he remains one of the game’s most feared pace bowlers under lights.
But despite Australia’s early breakthroughs and a well-executed bowling plan, it was Root’s resilience that grabbed the headlines. Root scoring 135 not out heading into the next session, England look firmly in control and Australia will need a response if they’re to keep the Ashes alive.
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