England ended a chaotic first day of the Brisbane day-night Test on 325 for 9, driven by Joe Root’s superb unbeaten 135 and rocked by Mitchell Starc’s blistering 6 for 71. Root finally broke his long-running century drought in Australia, raising three figures under the lights during a tense final session. His calm knock held together an innings marked by discipline at times and pure recklessness at others.
Starc’s early surge threatened a repeat of England’s Perth collapse. He struck twice in his opening over, removing Ben Duckett and Ollie Pope for ducks as England slumped to 5 for 2 inside 15 deliveries. Root and Zak Crawley then rebuilt with a 100-run stand, Crawley responding to his Perth pair with a fluent 76 before falling to Michael Neser.
England looked set for a strong total at 210 for 4, but another collapse followed as Starc and the changing light triggered the loss of 5 for 54. Ben Stokes’ run-out and sharp spells from Scott Boland and Brendan Doggett tightened Australia’s grip.
Just as Australia prepared for a short burst with the bat, Root found support from No.11 Jofra Archer. Their unbeaten 61-run stand pushed England past 300 for the first time in Australia since 2018.
Australia’s decision to drop Nathan Lyon for an all-pace attack, including surprise pick Neser, added intrigue to a day that swung wildly before Root restored England’s belief with one of his finest away hundreds.
Root’s Gritty Brisbane Hundred Keeps England Alive After Starc Storm
Joe Root lifted England with a brave hundred on a lively Brisbane surface. His unbeaten 135 came on a day full of sharp turns. England reached 325 for 9 which felt unlikely after a terrible start. Mitchell Starc struck twice in the opening moments to stun the visitors.
The early collapse created clear worry in the dressing room. England had folded in Perth and pressure sat heavy again. Root stepped in early and played with calm hands. His strike rotation slowed the rush of wickets. His confidence spread across the group in steady waves.
Zak Crawley supported him well and played with better control. Their century stand steadied England after the shock. Crawley played positive shots against loose balls and left well outside off. This partnership helped England settle into the long evening.
England Lost Momentum
England then slipped again under the lights. Starc and Scott Boland tightened angles well. Slower balls and shorter lines broke England’s middle order. Sharp fielding added more trouble as Ben Stokes fell to a direct hit. The momentum looked gone again for England.
Root found late help from Jofra Archer. They added quick runs with clean strokes. This stand added hope for day two. It lifted England beyond the early fear. Their final total gave the contest a new shape entirely.
Root Builds a Calm Innings as England Recover Strongly
Root played with clear rhythm across shifting conditions. He left the ball well against early swing. His balance stayed steady when Starc pushed high pace spells. He used soft hands to guide tough balls down. These choices removed risk and built quiet control. Root also placed singles into gaps with smart awareness.
Crawley played with freedom when bowlers missed their length. His straight drives showed good timing and shape. He also resisted driving too hard on good length. This shift helped his confidence return after a hard Perth game. Their partnership forced Australia to change plans fast.
Pink Ball Movement
The pink ball movement reduced in the second hour. Root used that window to lift the scoring tempo. His footwork improved against fuller lengths. He moved across the crease and opened scoring lines. Crawley also kept pressure on fringe bowler Michael Neser. Their steady rise pushed England past the early shock.
Australia tried short balls to slow the rhythm. Brendan Doggett nearly removed Root with a glove flick. The chance dropped just short and England kept building calmly. This recovery shaped the session with strong purpose. England needed partnership value and Root supplied it fully. His patience held England together in this tough phase.
Crawley’s Return to Form Eases England’s Early Tension
Crawley fought nerves early but found quick clarity. He left balls better and trusted his timing. His first boundaries came with clean balance and soft hands. This helped him settle smoothly into the innings.
He attacked Neser with smart picks across midwicket. He also pushed singles into deep cover well. This mix kept the score moving without rash risks. His half-century came with simple cricket shots. His footwork improved against fuller shapes from Boland.
Crawley still took chances but managed risk with care. A faint edge chance went past keeper Alex Carey. He survived and built further confidence. His wicket came at a tricky stage for England. He under-edged a back-of-length ball and fell in the 70s again.
His knock still mattered greatly. It set a base for Root to grow deeper. It also put Australia under pressure in the first long session.
Starc’s Brutal Spells Shape the Day’s Wild Momentum Swings
Starc started the day fast and fierce. His first over broke England open again. Duckett played around a moving ball and fell first. Pope chopped on soon after while searching for space. Starc then pushed England into trouble with sharp late swing. His angles kept Root watchful early.
This six-wicket haul showed his skill with the pink ball. It also exposed England’s lower order once more. Starc’s timing of wickets shaped the game well. He created long pressure runs across key phases. His impact kept Australia ahead for many parts. His spells controlled the day’s rhythm entirely.
Boland and Doggett Apply Smart Pressure in Supporting Roles
Boland held tight lines through long spells. He bowled several balls that shaped late. His control forced England into careful play. His wicket of Jamie Smith highlighted this point well.
Doggett used short balls to unsettle the batters. He kept lengths high into the body often. Root nearly gloved a ball to Carey early on. Doggett made England think across each over.
Their support allowed Starc to attack harder. Neser also swung balls lightly but found less success. This team attack built layered pressure across the day.
These bowlers applied steady force when needed. They shaped England’s tougher moments through clear plans. Their work held England back from a much bigger score.
Root and Archer Flip the Script With a Vital Late Stand
England looked set to finish under 280 after losing steady wickets. The lower order again struggled with bounce. Stokes fell to sharp fielding that changed the mood. Jacks held briefly but Starc struck again. The innings drifted toward a fast closure. Australia tired in the last 40 minutes. Their bowlers dropped slightly shorter lengths. Root used this to push singles and doubles often. He reached his hundred with a simple clip fine. The celebration lifted England beyond nerves.
The Recovery
Their 61-run stand changed the story entirely. It carried England past the 300-run mark. It forced Australia to rethink day two plans. This late momentum also protects England’s bowlers. The extra runs give tactical room early tomorrow.
This stand finished a wild day on a surprising note. It showed England’s resilience under pressure. It also highlighted Root’s class once more on hard tours.
Conclusion
England closed the day with renewed belief after a tough start. Root’s hundred carried them with calm strength. His innings came from strong judgment and clear thinking. England needed that quality badly after the Perth collapse.
Crawley’s return to form mattered in many ways. His steady knock kept England alive early and his timing returned slowly across overs. His confidence helped Root play deeper into the innings. The late push from Archer changed England’s final shape. Their stand added hope for the coming sessions. It pushed Australia into slight fatigue before stumps. England now enter day two with a fair chance.
This Test already shows signs of a long fight. The swings today kept fans fully engaged. The next morning session will shape the balance. England’s bowlers now have runs to defend. Australia must start bright on this lively pitch.
For broader context on shifting match momentum, see our India vs Bangladesh timeline which shows how small moments change long contests. This Brisbane Test now heads into a tense second day with both sides alive.
