Joe Root delivered a masterful 160 runs on day two of the fifth Ashes Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground, guiding England to 384 all out - their highest total of a troubled tour.
Australia hit back hard through Travis Head's unbeaten 91, reaching 166-2 by stumps to shift the match's momentum.
Root's innings, his 41st Test century, drew level with Ricky Ponting on the all-time list and earned a standing ovation from all 46,000 fans. The 35-year-old batted for six-and-a-half hours across two days, hitting 15 boundaries in what is likely his final Test appearance in Australia.
Harry Brook contributed 84 runs in a 169-run partnership with Root, while Jamie Smith added a streaky 46. But England collapsed from their overnight 211-3, losing their final four wickets for just nine runs. Michael Neser took 4-60 for Australia, dismissing Root with a leading edge.
Head leads Australian fightback
Australia's openers raced to 50 in just ten overs against England's new ball, exposing a patched-up pace attack missing Mark Wood, Jofra Archer and Gus Atkinson. Matthew Potts, playing his first Test in over a year, leaked 58 runs in seven wicketless overs.
Head and Marnus Labuschagne shared a 105-run partnership before Ben Stokes dismissed Labuschagne. Head has now surpassed 500 runs in the series, demonstrating bullying brilliance against England's struggling bowlers.
England dropped Jake Weatherald twice in three balls before Stokes trapped him lbw for 21. The missed chances highlighted England's defensive struggles on a tough final session.
Root's injury concern
Root left the field with lower back discomfort during Australia's reply, spending nearly two hours off the field. England faces an anxious wait on his condition ahead of the remaining days.
The century marked Root's second of the series after his unbeaten 138 in Brisbane, ending a 12-year wait for hundreds Down Under. He now sits 1,984 runs behind Sachin Tendulkar's all-time Test record of 15,921, a milestone he could potentially reach during the 2027 Ashes if he maintains his current pace.
Context and outlook
Root has scored 24 Test centuries since the start of 2021 - 14 more than any other player. His 394 runs in this series already surpass his total 378 from the entire 2017-18 Ashes tour.
Australia trails by 218 runs with eight wickets remaining. England's 384 represents their best effort of the campaign, well beyond any of their attempts at the SCG four years ago. Only three teams have scored more batting first at this venue and lost.
Captain Stokes exchanged heated words with Labuschagne during a fractious session, his temper fraying as Australia seized control. The vulnerability of England's position became clear as Head and Labuschagne tore through the depleted bowling attack.
Note: This article was created with Artificial Intelligence (AI).
