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Travis Head, Labuschagne lift Australia after England’s 384 in Ashes finale

Joe Root top scored for England in Sydney Test with 160 runs from his bat

By Web Desk

January 05, 2026

Travis Head of Australia raises his bat alongside Marnus Labuschagne after reaching 50 runs during day two of the Fifth Test in the 2025/26 Ashes Series between Australia and England at Sydney Cricket Ground on January 05, 2026 in Sydney, Australia. - AFP

SYDNEY: Travis Head and Marnus Labuschagne led Australia’s fightback on Day 2 of the Ashes finale after England posted a commanding 384 in their first innings here on Monday at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG).

The pair put on a crucial 105-run partnership for the second wicket, helping the hosts close the day at 166 for 2, still 218 runs behind.

England had resumed at 211-3, with Joe Root and Harry Brook at the crease following a truncated Day 1. Brook looked solid, scoring 84 before falling to Scott Boland early in the day.

Ben Stokes continued to struggle against Mitchell Starc, departing for an 11-ball duck—the 14th time the English captain has fallen to the left-arm pacer in Tests.

Root carried England’s innings, reaching his 41st Test century and his 24th since 2021, equalling Ricky Ponting on the all-time list of centuries.

Jamie Smith supported with aggressive strokeplay, including a few boundaries before falling to a short-ball ploy from Marnus Labuschagne just before lunch, ending a 94-run partnership.

England eventually folded for 384, losing their last four wickets for nine runs.

Australia began cautiously, with openers Head and Jake Weatherald negotiating tight lines from Matthew Potts and Josh Tongue.

Potts proved expensive, conceding several boundaries that allowed the openers to reach a 50-run stand within the first 10 overs.

Weatherald fell to Stokes after a full delivery struck leg-stump, but Head and Labuschagne then anchored Australia’s innings, punishing loose deliveries with crisp drives and innovative ramp shots over the slips.

The duo brought Australia back into the contest, reaching a century stand before Labuschagne fell to a miscued drive caught by Jacob Bethell at gully.

Head remained unbeaten on 91, moving tantalisingly close to a century, while nightwatchman Michael Neser added valuable runs before being hit on the forearm.

Slight drizzle brought an early close to play, with Australia still trailing by 218 runs but well-positioned for a fightback.