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England vs Australia 5th Test: The second day of the fifth and final Test match of the Ashes series at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) was full of ups and downs. While Joe Root's batting magic was on display in the morning session, the Australian batsmen tightened their grip as the day progressed.
Watch Australia vs England Fifth Ashes Test, Day 2 Highlights
Joe Root's 160-run innings
The day started brilliantly for England. Experienced batsman Joe Root showcased his class, scoring another magnificent century of his Test career.
- Root played a superb innings of 160 runs, tiring out the Australian bowlers.
- This was Root's 41st Test century, which helped England reach a challenging total.
- He received good support from Harry Brook (84), although Brook missed out on his century.
Australian bowlers fight back: Michael Neser's lethal bowling
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At one point, it seemed England would cross the 450-run mark, but the Australian bowlers made a comeback in the final sessions.
- Michael Neser bowled a brilliant spell, taking 4 wickets. He dismissed Joe Root, providing a major relief for Australia.
- England were all out for 384 runs in their first innings.
Australia's aggressive start: Travis Head's brilliance
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In response to England's 384 runs, the Australian team adopted an aggressive approach.
Opening batsman Travis Head batted in T20 style.- Head played an unbeaten innings of 91* runs off just 87 balls, putting the English bowlers on the back foot.
- By the end of the day's play, Australia had scored 166 runs for the loss of 2 wickets.
Ben Stokes' 'Captain's Spell'
When the Australian batsmen were dominating, captain Ben Stokes took the ball himself. He broke a crucial partnership by dismissing Marnus Labuschagne (48). Although Australia is still 218 runs behind England at the end of the day's play, they have 8 wickets in hand.
Scorecard at the end of the day:
England (First Innings): 384 runs (Joe Root 160, Michael Neser 4/60)
Australia (First Innings): 166/2 (Travis Head 91*, Ben Stokes 2/35)
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