The fifth and final Ashes Test at a capacity Sydney Cricket Ground was dramatically poised after a day of batting brilliance from both England and Australia. England, resuming at 211-3, were propelled to a first-innings total of 384 largely through a majestic 160 from former captain Joe Root. His 41st Test century drew him level with Australian legend Ricky Ponting on the all-time list, behind only Sachin Tendulkar and Jacques Kallis. Root’s masterful, near-chanceless innings was eventually halted by a spectacular caught-and-bowled effort from Michael Neser, who finished with figures of 4-60.
Australia’s response was spearheaded by a characteristically aggressive and unbeaten 91 from Travis Head, who launched a fierce counter-offensive to swing momentum back towards the hosts. After losing opener Jake Weatherald (21), who endured another difficult outing, and the in-form Marnus Labuschagne (48), Australia reached stumps at a rapid 166-2. Head, already with two centuries this series, raced to a 55-ball fifty and will resume on day three alongside nightwatchman Neser (1*).
The day was not without its flashpoints, as England captain Ben Stokes and Labuschagne exchanged heated words between overs. Despite having already lost the series and the urn at 3-1 down, England’s fighting spirit was embodied by Root, who silenced critics of his previous record in Australia with a second ton of the tour. The match is intriguingly balanced, with both teams acknowledging the importance of the first session on day three on a pitch that Neser suggested appears to be quickening.