Joe Root made headlines in the world of cricket by scoring his first century on Australian soil during the ongoing Test series. That a huge score was on the cards became apparent with Root’s brilliant performance at Adelaide Oval. He was not out 135, carrying his bat as England made 325 all out from a difficult start. This milestone came in his 30th Test innings on Australian soil – an intrinsic feat making the accomplishment even more special.
Australian fast bowler Mitchell Starc was the key player for his national team – and he might have been key for the Tigers too. He took six England wickets across the innings, making sure England were never allowed to build meaningful momentum at key points. Starc’s performance was historic as he surpassed Wasim Akram’s record of 414 Test wickets, becoming the most prolific left-arm quick in Test history with a total of 415 wickets.
The first day-night Test got off to a sensational start, as Starc set England on the back foot early. In the first three overs, he’d reduced England to an alarming 2-5. He certainly made an early impact in taking the wicket of Ben Duckett. Duckett’s inswinger was caught cutting to the slips off the first ball of the day. Very shortly thereafter, Ollie Pope succumbed to Starc’s speed, chopping the ball back onto his stumps.
England’s woes were compounded, with Alex Carey pulling off an astonishing effort behind the stumps. He took a brilliant diving catch to remove Gus Atkinson, and caught Brydon Carse for a duck. Starc’s relentless attack kept England under pressure, but Root’s resilience began to shift the momentum.
When England were down and almost out, Root put together a critical stand with last man Jofra Archer for the ninth wicket. The duo overcame some early pressure, putting on a gritty unbroken 61-run partnership, showcasing true cricketing resolve and class. Their partnership was critical to strengthening England’s score, highlighting Root’s talent to anchor an innings.
Ricky Ponting, former Australian captain and current ICC global cricket commentator, looked back on the day’s play, commending both teams on their efforts.
“What a day we have seen. Magnificent day of Test match cricket. Australians dominant early, Mitchell Starc picking up two in his first couple of overs, had England on the backfoot but what a fightback we have seen.” – Ricky Ponting
The contest between bat and ball was a war that continued all day. Starc was irresistible on the final day, repeatedly testing the English batsmen. His opening two overs incensed the Australian bowling line-up. In all of these tactics, they generated a heightened sense of urgency among the England players.
Despite the early hiccups, Root’s century gave England what they desperately needed – stability. His unobtrusive style at the crease made room for valuable partnerships and a penchant to keep the scoreboard ticking with regular strike rotation. As he progressed through his innings, it became clear that he was determined to leave a lasting mark on this Test match.
Starc provided a vintage six-wicket haul, with the spearhead serving as Australia’s main man. This latest accomplishment increases his ascendance among cricket’s greatest fast bowlers of all time. The bowler took his 500th test wicket when Harry Brook nicked one to slips. This important wicket further enriches the bowler’s illustrious career.
Root’s unforgettable century was memorable not just for his teammates but by fans watching across the globe. His talent and determination as one of the great batsman for England just shone through. He dominated even in the most difficult circumstances up against a fearsome Australian bowling attack.
By the end of the day, England were on 9-325. As impressive as Root’s performance was, it only served to underscore the early struggles his team had experienced. His innings, though, is a reminder of just how vital he is to England’s Test batting unit. It further injects adrenaline into their dreams of a competitive Test series.
