Ashes 2026: Joe Root’s majestic 160 carries England to 384 on Day 2 in Sydney

Joe Root delivered a masterclass under pressure, scoring a magnificent 160 to power England to 384 on Day 2 of the fifth and final Ashes Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground on January 5, 2026. His innings anchored England after early setbacks and reaffirmed his place among cricket’s modern greats.

England were eventually dismissed by tea, with Australia fighting back through disciplined bowling to halt what once looked like a march past 400.

Root stands tall as England rebuild

Resuming the day at 211 for 3, Root took full control of proceedings. Calm, precise and authoritative, the 35-year-old reached his century with minimal risk, moving to three figures off 146 balls.

The knock followed his confidence-boosting 138 not out in Brisbane, which ended a long Ashes century drought on Australian soil. In Sydney, Root went further, punishing loose deliveries while respecting good bowling.

His innings finally ended via a brilliant caught-and-bowled by Michael Neser, who finished with figures of 4 for 60.

Record books reshuffled

With this innings, Root drew level with Ricky Ponting on 41 Test centuries, moving to joint third on the all-time list. Only Sachin Tendulkar (51) and Jacques Kallis (45) now sit above him.

Root also crossed 150 for the 17th time in Tests, edging closer to some of the game’s most revered benchmarks.

Early blows before lunch

England’s momentum was briefly disrupted early on Day 2. Harry Brook (84) added just six runs to his overnight score before edging Scott Boland to Steve Smith at slip, ending a 169-run partnership with Root. It was the highest stand of the series by either side.

Moments later, Ben Stokes fell for a duck, undone by Mitchell Starc after a successful review overturned the on-field decision.

Jamie Smith (46) threatened to accelerate but was dismissed by part-time bowler Marnus Labuschagne, holing out in the deep after surviving a no-ball scare earlier.

Australia tighten the screws after lunch

Post-lunch, Will Jacks (27) showed intent but fell to Neser, edging to Cameron Green. With the new ball taken, Australia slowed the scoring rate through tight spells from Starc and Boland.

Once Root departed, England’s lower order offered little resistance. Brydon Carse (1) and Josh Tongue (0) fell quickly, bringing the innings to a close at 384.