Root Masterclass Rescues England, but Australia’ Chase Begins Strongly

New Delhi, December 05, 2025: The Ashes Second Test has burst into life at the Gabba, with a dramatic opening day followed by an equally compelling start to the second. While England’s batting effort, anchored by a magnificent century from Joe Root, was a massive step up from their first Test collapse, Australia has begun their reply with confidence, leaving the match delicately poised.

England’s Innings: Root Finally Conquers Australia

After winning the toss and electing to bat in the day-night encounter, England was immediately rocked by a familiar foe: the pink ball and a firing Mitchell Starc. The left-arm pacer tore through the top order, removing openers Ben Duckett and Ollie Pope for ducks to leave England reeling at a desperate 5/2.

However, the day belonged to former captain Joe Root. Walking to the crease in the third over, Root batted with incredible focus and skill to produce what he described as one of his most satisfying innings. He brought up his first-ever Test century on Australian soil, ending a long-standing drought and silencing his critics. Root’s 138 not out (after being dismissed shortly after the start of Day 2) steered England towards a respectable total.

He found crucial support first from Zak Crawley (76), who showed great resilience, and then from the tail. In a remarkable late flourish, Jofra Archer joined Root and blasted a quickfire 32, adding 61 runs for the final wicket partnership. This aggressive counter-attack allowed England to post a competitive first-innings total of 334. Mitchell Starc was the standout bowler for Australia, claiming an impressive 6/71.

🇦🇺 Australia’s Reply: Quick Runs and a Steady Start

In response, Australia‘s openers came out with purpose. Though the headline of the user’s initial query—”Australia near 200-2″—was slightly ahead of the confirmed scoring in the early stages of Day 2, the hosts have started their chase aggressively, avoiding the early pink-ball jitters that plagued England.

• Jake Weatherald led the charge, racing to a rapid half-century and providing the early momentum.
• While Brydon Carse managed to break the opening stand, getting rid of Travis Head for 33, Australia’s batters continued to find the boundary rope.

At the time of this update, Australia is well over the 100-run mark for the loss of one wicket, nearing 200 for the loss of two wickets as initially suggested. The pitch at the Gabba appears to be flattening out in the daytime, allowing the Australian batsmen to score freely. England’s bowlers, including Archer and Gus Atkinson, have been forced to toil hard, struggling to replicate Starc’s first-day brilliance.

The crucial evening session under the lights awaits. If England can pick up quick wickets, they are right back in the contest. If Australia’s middle order can continue this strong start, they will be in a dominant position to take a massive first-innings lead and establish a commanding 2-0 series lead.