Joe Root’s Masterclass: England Reach 384 in Fifth Ashes Test After 160-Run Heroics
In a thrilling culmination to the 2025-26 Ashes series, England’s first innings in the fifth Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground produced a stirring performance anchored by a masterful century from veteran batter Joe Root. England were eventually dismissed for 384, but not before Root’s majestic 160 his second century of the series and the 41st of his illustrious Test career put his team in a competitive position against Australia.
Played under bright Sydney skies after rain disrupted proceedings on day one, the Test saw England resume at 211/3 on day two with Root and Harry Brook well settled at the crease. Fresh off a prolific series that already included a century in Brisbane, Root once again underlined why he remains England’s most dependable Test batter. He combined elegance with intense concentration, crafting an innings marked by authoritative stroke play and crucial partnerships that kept England in the contest despite regular wickets falling at the other end.
Brook emerged as another key contributor, scoring a fluent 84 before falling to Scott Boland. His innings, aggressive yet controlled, included a flurry of boundaries and showcased his growing stature as a long-term asset in England’s Test batting line-up. The Root-Brook partnership proved vital in stabilising the innings, particularly after captain Ben Stokes was dismissed for a first-ball duck following a tight DRS decision.
Further down the order, Jamie Smith added valuable runs with a composed 46 before being dismissed by part-time bowler Marnus Labuschagne, while Will Jacks chipped in with 27 during a crucial seventh-wicket stand with Root. Although England’s lower order offered some resistance, Australia’s bowlers maintained pressure throughout, with Michael Neser leading the attack by claiming figures of 4 for 60 to wrap up the innings.
Root’s innings was significant not just for its size but for its historical importance. The century marked his 41st in Test cricket, tying him with Australian great Ricky Ponting for third on the all-time list, an achievement hailed by commentators and cricket pundits worldwide. This milestone highlights Root’s consistency and longevity, particularly remarkable given the challenges of scoring big hundreds in Australia’s hostile conditions.
Australia, already leading the Ashes series 3-1 and therefore assured of retaining the urn, will now begin their first innings with confidence. At the close of play, the Australian openers had made a steady start, hinting at a competitive response to England’s total. The pitch at the SCG has offered something for bowlers and batters alike, setting up an intriguing battle for the remaining days of the Test.
While England’s score of 384 may not appear imposing on paper, the foundation laid by Root’s marathon innings, supported ably by Brook and the middle order, gives the visitors a fighting chance. For Root, it was another performance that reinforced his status among the modern greats of Test cricket. Australia, buoyed by home conditions and their series advantage, will look to assert dominance as the final Test continues to unfold.
Played under bright Sydney skies after rain disrupted proceedings on day one, the Test saw England resume at 211/3 on day two with Root and Harry Brook well settled at the crease. Fresh off a prolific series that already included a century in Brisbane, Root once again underlined why he remains England’s most dependable Test batter. He combined elegance with intense concentration, crafting an innings marked by authoritative stroke play and crucial partnerships that kept England in the contest despite regular wickets falling at the other end.
Brook emerged as another key contributor, scoring a fluent 84 before falling to Scott Boland. His innings, aggressive yet controlled, included a flurry of boundaries and showcased his growing stature as a long-term asset in England’s Test batting line-up. The Root-Brook partnership proved vital in stabilising the innings, particularly after captain Ben Stokes was dismissed for a first-ball duck following a tight DRS decision.
Further down the order, Jamie Smith added valuable runs with a composed 46 before being dismissed by part-time bowler Marnus Labuschagne, while Will Jacks chipped in with 27 during a crucial seventh-wicket stand with Root. Although England’s lower order offered some resistance, Australia’s bowlers maintained pressure throughout, with Michael Neser leading the attack by claiming figures of 4 for 60 to wrap up the innings.
Root’s innings was significant not just for its size but for its historical importance. The century marked his 41st in Test cricket, tying him with Australian great Ricky Ponting for third on the all-time list, an achievement hailed by commentators and cricket pundits worldwide. This milestone highlights Root’s consistency and longevity, particularly remarkable given the challenges of scoring big hundreds in Australia’s hostile conditions.
Australia, already leading the Ashes series 3-1 and therefore assured of retaining the urn, will now begin their first innings with confidence. At the close of play, the Australian openers had made a steady start, hinting at a competitive response to England’s total. The pitch at the SCG has offered something for bowlers and batters alike, setting up an intriguing battle for the remaining days of the Test.
While England’s score of 384 may not appear imposing on paper, the foundation laid by Root’s marathon innings, supported ably by Brook and the middle order, gives the visitors a fighting chance. For Root, it was another performance that reinforced his status among the modern greats of Test cricket. Australia, buoyed by home conditions and their series advantage, will look to assert dominance as the final Test continues to unfold.
Next Story