Fifth Ashes Test, Sydney Cricket Ground (day two of five)
England 384: Root 160, Brook 84; Neser 4-60
Australia 166-2: Head 91*, Labuschagne 48; Stokes 2-30
Australia are 218 runs behind
Root century gives England substance before Australia counter-attack
Australia closed day two of the fifth Ashes Test in Sydney on 166-2, responding strongly to Joe Root’s commanding 160 as the hosts reduced England’s lead to 218 runs before play was ended early due to drizzle.
England resumed with a platform but relied heavily on Root, whose innings accounted for more than 41% of the team’s total. Batting for over six hours, Root faced more than 240 deliveries, leaving well outside off stump and scoring at a controlled rate, particularly against the second new ball.
The key phase came during the fourth-wicket stand with Harry Brook (84). Together they added over 170 runs, stabilising England after a wobble and lifting the run rate above three an over. Once Root fell, England’s innings lost structure, with the final seven wickets yielding just 158 runs, underlining the lack of lower-order resistance.
Jamie Smith’s dismissal accelerated that collapse. After benefiting from earlier fortune, he attempted to change momentum but was caught by Scott Boland off Marnus Labuschagne, exposing the tail earlier than England would have wanted.
From Australia’s perspective, Michael Neser’s 4-60 stood out for control rather than pace. He consistently hit a fuller length and conceded fewer boundary balls than his fellow seamers, while England’s run scoring dropped noticeably during his spells.
Head leads Australia’s aggressive reply
Australia’s reply was built on immediate intent. Travis Head’s unbeaten 91 came from 87 balls, striking at a rate that shifted momentum rapidly. England’s seamers struggled to contain him, particularly when missing their length, allowing Head to score freely square of the wicket.
Australia scored at nearly five an over in the opening phase, sharply contrasting England’s earlier approach. Two dropped chances in the field compounded England’s problems and prevented early pressure.
Ben Stokes provided the breakthroughs, removing Jake Weatherald lbw and later dismissing Labuschagne (48), who edged to gully after a 105-run second-wicket partnership. Despite those wickets, Australia remained firmly ahead of the game in terms of momentum, with Head well set and scoring options opening up as the ball softened.
Conditions and match position
The pitch continued to offer some movement early but became easier for batting as the day progressed. England were unable to fully exploit the new ball, and their bowling lengths drifted under pressure. Australia’s scoring zones widened notably after the first 15 overs, reflecting England’s inability to sustain control.
Play was halted before the scheduled close due to drizzle, denying England a final opportunity to attack with a relatively new ball.
With Australia still 218 runs behind but batting in more settled conditions, the balance of the Test hinges on England’s ability to strike early on day three. Root’s century ensured England remain competitive, but Australia’s scoring rate and wicket position suggest the hosts currently hold the initiative.
