Joe Root finally scored his maiden Test hundred in Australia, anchoring England to 325/9 on the opening day of the Day/Night Ashes Test at the Gabba.
Root remained unbeaten on 135, rescuing England from 5/2 after early blows from Mitchell Starc, who claimed a superb 6/71 to continue his dominant series. Root shared key stands with Zak Crawley, who hit 76, and later Jofra Archer, adding an unbeaten 61 for the tenth wicket. Australia, fielding a five-man pace attack, kept striking but Root’s masterclass ensured England ended the day on top, raising hopes of levelling the series.