England ended a pulsating opening day of the second Test against Australia on 325/9, as a magnificent unbeaten century from Joe Root was supported by a late flourish from Jofra Archer. Root held England's innings together from the moment he came to the crease, finishing the day on an excellent 135*.

Steady Start, Crawley Leads Early Charge

England had a watchful start to its chase, reaching 50 in 10.4 overs-a score boosted somewhat by four extras-while Zak Crawley and Joe Root batted solidly together after the early loss of two wickets. The two put on 50 for the third wicket off 56 balls to take their team to 58/2 at drinks.

Crawley looked in fine touch as he brought up his half-century off 68 balls, striking six boundaries. At lunch, England had moved to 98/2 in 24 overs with Crawley on 61 and Root on 32.

Root Rises as Crawley Falls

England managed to cross the 100-run mark in 24.4 overs. The third-wicket stand thus reached 100 runs off 135 balls. Crawley continued confidently but fell soon after for 64.

The momentum then shifted to Root, who kept the innings grounded. England brought up 150 in 32.3 overs and Root reached a composed fifty off 83 deliveries.

Australia Fight Back with Reviews and Wickets

Australia continued to push and utilized the review system quite well. At 38.6 overs, Root survived one review, but at the other end, wickets kept tumbling.

at Tea Break,  England was at 196/4, with Root on 68 and Ben Stokes on 14, but Australia pushed harder after the break, with another review at 51.6 overs seeing Root judged out but later confirmed by DRS as well.

England slipped to 235/6 at the next drinks break, but Root marched on to bring up a brilliant century off 181 balls, studded with 11 boundaries.

Archer Joins the Fightback

It took England till 63.6 overs to reach 250, and though the wickets continued to fall, Root never lost his control over the proceedings. Jofra Archer was an unexpected harbinger of fireworks as he combined with Root for a sizzling, last-wicket 50 off mere 29 balls.

Archer smashed his way to 32*, helping England pass 300 in 70.3 overs and end the day on a strong 325/9.

Day Summary

Joe Root: 135*, Heroic, anchored the entire innings.

Zak Crawley: 64 (bright start)

Jofra Archer: 32* - vital late runs.

Attendance: 37,117

Score: England 325/9 in 74 overs

Root's resolve and class shone through in a day of ebbs and flows. England will hope he can stretch the total further on Day 2, whereas Australia would look to wrap up the innings in quick time.