Joe Root produced a commanding 160 to anchor England’s 384 on day two of the fifth Ashes Test at the SCG, matching Ricky Ponting’s tally of 41 Test centuries, before Australia surged back through an aggressive unbeaten 91 from Travis Head.
Root, resuming on 72, was the clear standout in an innings that lost momentum around him, eventually falling to a sharp caught-and-bowled by Michael Neser, who claimed 4-60.
In reply, Australia navigated the final session briskly to reach 166-2 at stumps, losing Jake Weatherald and Marnus Labuschagne but riding Head’s free-flowing strokeplay and a fluent 48 from Labuschagne.
With Australia already holding the Ashes at 3-1, England remain desperate for a consolation win, while the hosts have ensured the match is finely poised heading into day three.
Stumps
England vs Australia, 5th Test. The Ashes
- AUS 166/2 (34.1 ov)
- ENG 384
- Michael Neser* 1(15)
- Travis Head 91(87)
- Ben Stokes 2/30 (8.1 ov)
- Day 2 – Australia trail by 218 runs.
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