England delivered a spirited fightback on the opening day of the second Ashes Test at the Gabba, finishing at 325/9 after an early collapse. Eng vs Aus 2nd test 1st day score, this article provides a complete breakdown of the day’s play, highlighting Joe Root’s magnificent century and Mitchell Starc’s lethal bowling spell that shaped the day’s narrative.
England’s Early Collapse and Fightback
The highly anticipated Day 1 began with England winning the toss and choosing to bat. However, the decision backfired immediately as Mitchell Starc produced a fierce new-ball spell that dismantled England’s top order. England slipped to 5/2, raising fears of a repeat of their struggles from the first Test.
Just when Australia sensed complete domination, Zak Crawley and Joe Root joined forces to rebuild the innings. Their composed batting steadied England and turned the momentum back in their favour.
Joe Root’s Masterful Century
Root ends his century drought in Australia
Joe Root, often considered one of modern cricket’s finest batters, delivered one of his most important overseas innings. Root remained unbeaten on 135* by stumps, marking his first Test century on Australian soil. This knock was a product of patience, technical precision, and exceptional temperament.
Partnership with Crawley
Root and Zak Crawley stitched together a crucial stand that not only stabilised the innings but also set a platform for England’s middle order. Crawley contributed a valuable 76, playing fluently before being dismissed, but his role in steadying the innings was significant.
Late flourish with Jofra Archer
In the final session, Root found a strong partner in Jofra Archer, who chipped in with an impactful 32*. Their last-wicket partnership frustrated Australia and added vital runs, pushing England past the 300-run mark.
Mitchell Starc Dominates with the Ball
Starc’s six-wicket haul
On a pitch offering bounce and movement, Mitchell Starc was the standout bowler for Australia. Starc claimed 6 wickets, troubling the English batters with pace, swing, and sharp angles around the wicket. His early breakthroughs put England on the back foot, and his late strikes prevented the visitors from running away with the game.
Also read: Ruturaj Gaikwad maiden ODI century — A glittering knock, but India lost
Australia’s bold selection call
With Nathan Lyon left out, Australia relied on a pace-heavy attack. Starc, supported by Michael Neser, Scott Boland, and Brendan Doggett, justified the move early on. However, England’s resilience tested their endurance as the day progressed.
Session-by-Session Breakdown
Morning Session – Australia Dominates
Australia’s bowlers made an immediate impact, removing Ben Duckett and Ollie Pope cheaply. England’s scoreboard pressure mounted quickly, and the visitors were forced into survival mode.
Afternoon Session – Root and Crawley Restore Stability
The momentum shifted in England’s favour as Root and Crawley combined in a brilliant partnership. Their calm approach blunted the Australian pace attack and allowed England to consolidate.
Evening Session – Root-Clasics and Late Acceleration
Root’s century lifted England’s spirits. The partnership with Archer added a valuable late surge, helping England push past 320 and end the day stronger than they started.
What This Means for Day 2
England will rely heavily on Joe Root to stretch the total further, though he has only one wicket in hand. For Australia, early breakthroughs will be crucial to avoid chasing a potentially challenging first-innings score. The pitch’s behaviour on Day 2 will determine whether England’s 325 is a competitive total or below par.
Key Highlights
Eng vs Aus 2nd test 1st day score: England 325/9 at stumps
Joe Root: 135* — his first century in Australia
Zak Crawley: 76 — vital top-order support
Jofra Archer: 32* — crucial late runs
Mitchell Starc: 6 wickets — best bowler of the day
Disclaimer
This article is based on publicly available news sources and match updates. Statistics and match details may change as the game progresses. Always refer to official cricket boards or live score platforms for the latest updates.
Source
Match details and live updates