• Home
  • Match Hub
  • Eng Vs Aus 1St Ashes Test Joe Roots Fighting Ton Gives England Honours On Day 1

ENG vs AUS, 1st Ashes Test: Joe Root's Fighting Ton Gives England Honours on Day 1

image-liyswcpzJoe Root in action [AP Photos]

Joe Root continued from where he left in New Zealand a couple of months ago and once again stood tall against a quality Australian bowling attack on Day 1 of the first Ashes Test.

The Yorkshireman showed great composure and skill to bring up his 30th Test century, and remained unbeaten on 118 as England posted 393 for 8 in their first innings.

A classic Joe Root hundred, and it was his first against the Australians since 2015.

Talking Points

Bazball is here to stay

Right before the Test match, cricket pundits had their doubts regarding Bazball's sustainability against a quality Aussie attack. However, all the doubts were put to rest when Crawley started the attack against the pacers.

Once 5 wickets were down and England were put on the back-foot, two Yorkshiremen stood up and delivered a sucker-punch to the World Champions. Jonny Bairstow, who was coming back in the England side after a lengthy layoff played a blistering counter-attacking knock, which yielded him a run-a-ball 78. His knock proved to be the difference on Day 1 as the home team have just edged ahead.

Root brings out the innovation

The duo of Brendon McCullum and Ben Stokes have changed the mentality of the English players. No longer they are afraid of failures and no longer they shy away of expressing themselves.

It was evident when Joe Root smoked a reverse ramp off the bowling of Scott Boland. His good length ball outside the off was dispatched with disdain over third man and everyone in the stand was in awe of the mastery of the champion English batter.

Lyon proves his worth

On a flat track, with no help for the seamers, it was Nathan Lyon who raised his hands and took the matter in his own hands. The wily spinner grabbed 4 crucial wickets, which included the dangerous Harry Brook and the returning Jonny Bairstow.

England's bold declaration

With the score of 393 for 8, skipper Ben Stokes decided to make a bold call and he declared the innings. This is the new Bazball aggressive approach and the new England have certainly lived up to its hype. Australian openers needed to survive the early burst, which they did as they ended on 14 for no loss.

What to expect on Day 2?

With the wicket getting better, expect the Australian openers to take control of the things. The visitors need a solid start from Khawaja and Warner. On the other hand, England will be hoping for some early inroads.

Brief Score

England: 393-8 (78)

Joe Root 118* (152), Jonny Bairstow 78 (78);

Nathan Lyon 4-149 (29)

Australia: 14-0 (4)