Joe Root's drought-ending century gives England head start in second Ashes Test

BRISBANE: Experienced batter Joe Root's maiden Test century in Australia helped England make a dominant start to the second Ashes match here at the Brisbane Cricket Ground on Thursday.

England captain Ben Stokes's decision to bat first proved beneficial as his side finished the opening day at 325/9 in 74 overs, with Root and No.11 Jofra Archer firm at the crease.

The touring side got off to a contrasting start to their innings as Mitchell Starc dismissed top-order batters Ben Duckett and Ollie Pope for ducks in his successive overs with just five runs on the board.

Following the early stutter, Root joined opener Zak Crawley in the middle, and the duo batted sensibly under pressure to stage an astounding recovery by putting together 117 runs for the second wicket.

Michael Neser eventually broke the stand in the second session by getting Crawley caught behind. The right-handed batter scored 76 off 93 deliveries with the help of 11 boundaries.

Root was then involved in another crucial partnership for England when he added 54 runs for the fourth wicket with Harry Brook, who made a brisk 31 off 33 deliveries before falling victim to Starc.

Following Brook's dismissal, England lost five more wickets at regular intervals and thus, had been reduced to 264/9, while Root held one end firmly and brought up his drought-ending Test century in Australia during the collapse.

The 34-year-old eventually found handy support at the other end in the form of Jofra Archer, who played an unbeaten cameo of 32 from just 26 balls, as the duo helped England finish the opening day without sustaining further damage.

Root remained the top-scorer for England with an unbeaten 135 off 202 deliveries, studded with 15 fours and a six.

Mitchell Starc led Australia's bowling charge with a six-wicket haul, coming off just 71 runs, while Scott Boland and Neser chipped in with one apiece.