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Joe Root, Mitchell Starc trade blows as honours split on Day 1 of second Ashes Test

Aakash Saini

Joe Root and Mitchell Starc [Source: @ICC/x]Joe Root and Mitchell Starc [Source: @ICC/x]

Joe Root and Mitchell Starc headlined an evenly-matched opening day of the second Ashes 2025-26 Test at the Gabba. Root notched up a stunning century to record his maiden triple-figure score on Australian soil in Test cricket.

Here, we take a look at the entire highlights of Day 1 of the second Test of the 2025-26 Ashes series between Australia and England, as it panned out at the Gabba in Brisbane on Thursday, December 4.

Zak Crawley counterattacks Mitchell Starc

Australian speed demon Mitchell Starc once again started off with a first-over wicket, this time with the prized scalp of Ben Duckett for a first-ball duck. In his following over, Starc cleaned up England’s number three Ollie Pope with a scorcher before struggling opener Zak Crawley counterattacked the Australian pacers with a courageous 117-run partnership with Joe Root.

Crawley made a brisk 76 from just 93 balls with 11 boundaries, while Harry Brook (31 off 33) and captain Ben Stokes (19 off 49) failed to make the most of their confident starts.

Joe Root crafts maiden Test century in Australia

Joe Root silently notched up his maiden Test century on Australian soil, the 40th of his career, as England soared past the 300-run mark in the final session of the day. Forming forces with number 11 Jofra Archer at 264-9, the two cricketers shared a courageous unbroken 61-run partnership for the final wicket as England reached a commanding 325-9 in 74 overs by stumps.

Archer himself contributed to the cause with a hasty 32* off 26 balls, a late cameo glittered with two huge sixes.

For Australia, Mitchell Starc razed through Harry Brook, Will Jacks, Gus Atkinson and Brydon Carse after his opening brilliance to finish the day with figures of 6-71 in 19 overs. Michael Neser and Scott Boland also chipped in with a wicket each.