Day 2 of the fifth Ashes Test was filled with drama, excellent batting, and critical DRS instances as Joe Root batted exquisitely to steady England’s innings before a positive knock from Australia despite a few interruptions due to rain.

Root Scores a Hundred as England Post a Fighting Total


England started their second innings with purpose, though the first sign of trouble emerged in the 50.5th over when Ben Stokes was given out on appeal to the TV umpire, CB Gaffaney, upholding the Australians’ appeal. Yet Root was unshakeable, taking England past the 250 mark in the 56.2 overs.

Root aggregated a magnificent century off 146 balls, hinting at his ability to play both patiently as well as forcefully. England were sitting at 272/5 in the drinks break as Root was already in three figures, and JL Smith was providing good company to him. The sixth wicket partnership added crucial 50 runs in 73 balls to take England's total to 300 in 69.1 overs.
By lunch, England was 336/6, with Roit unbeaten on 138, in total control of the innings. The second new ball was taken by Australia at the 80.1 overs mark, but Root only seemed to be getting stronger, reaching 150 off 226 deliveries, replete with 15 boundaries.

Another passages of batting showed some resilience as the seventh wicket scored 50 runs in 93 balls, reaching a total of 374-6 at the drinks break. The innings eventually ended at 384 all out in 97.3 overs, and Root’s innings was the backbone here.

Australia Start Aggressively Before Rain Delays

An aggressive push from the Australian side was expected, and they didn't disappoint. Travis Head and Jake Weatherald got off to a cracking start, and they added 50 in 56 deliveries, reaching 50 in 9.2 overs. The Australian side reached the first drinks break at 57 without losing a wicket, and Travis Head looked impressive.
Weatherald narrowly escaped an LBW decision on review, which went in Australia’s favor, but soon after, Head reached his half-century mark in 55 deliveries, hitting a total of nine fours.

Australia reached 100 in 20.3 overs, but England picked up wickets to reel them in. Marnus Labuschagne was given-out as a successful review by England umpire Ahsan Raza. However, Head continued to play well and scored another big partnership as Australia reached 150 in 28.5 overs.

Stumps: Australia Well Placed After Day 2  
Rain had the final say, bringing an early close to the day, as Australia were 166/2 in 34.1 overs at the end of the day. Travis Head was unbeaten at 91, just short of his century, accompanied at the end by Michael Neser.

Day 2 Summary

Joe Root: 150+ Masterclass Stumps England on 384

Critical DRS moments impact both innings

Australia 166/2, Head 91*, right in the fight

In typical cricket fashion, rain stops play late in the day to set up Day 3.
With Root’s epic effort setting the benchmark and Head counterpunching in style, the fifth Ashes Test remains finely poised heading into Day 3.