In a display of classic batting, Joe Root scored a magnificent 160 to guide England to a first-innings total of 384 on the second day of the fifth and final Ashes Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground. However, Australia's Travis Head launched a stunning counter-attack with an unbeaten 91 to steer the hosts to 166 for 2 by stumps, firmly keeping them in the contest.
Root's Masterclass and England's Innings
Resuming at 211 for 3, England's hopes rested heavily on the overnight pair of Joe Root and Harry Brook. The partnership, however, was broken early on Monday when Brook added just six to his score before edging Scott Boland to Steve Smith at slip. This ended a massive 169-run stand, the highest of the series for either side.
England then suffered quick blows, losing captain Ben Stokes for a duck and wicketkeeper Jamie Smith for 46. Root, who began the day on 72, stood firm amidst the collapse. He reached his 41st Test century off 146 balls, matching the legendary Ricky Ponting's tally. Only Sachin Tendulkar (51) and Jacques Kallis (45) have more Test hundreds.
Root's superb innings finally ended at 160 when he was brilliantly caught and bowled by Michael Neser, who finished with impressive figures of 4 for 60. The tail added little as England were bowled out for 384.
Head's Blistering Reply for Australia
Facing a challenging final session, Australia lost opener Jake Weatherald for 21, but Travis Head came out with clear intent. He was aggressive from the start, clattering three boundaries in the second over he faced from Matthew Potts.
Head raced to a quickfire half-century off just 55 balls and remained unbeaten on 91 at the close of play. He found solid support from Marnus Labuschagne, who made a fluent 48 before edging Ben Stokes to gully. Nightwatchman Michael Neser survived to be 1 not out at the other end.
Australia finished the day strongly at 166 for 2, trailing by 218 runs. With Head in such dominant form, the home side will look to build a significant lead on day three.
Series Context and Key Moments
Australia has already retained the Ashes, leading the series 3-1. England, buoyed by their win in Melbourne, is desperate to secure another victory to end the tour on a high.
Key moments from the day included Root reaching 150 for the 17th time in his Test career and the crucial no-ball reprieve for Jamie Smith early in his innings. For Australia, Head's aggressive knock has shifted momentum and set up an intriguing third day in Sydney.
The match continues with all three results still possible, promising more excitement for cricket fans in Pakistan and around the world following this historic rivalry.
