Root, who resumed Day 2 on 72 not out after rain and poor light curtailed play on the opening day, carried England’s batting responsibility. He found good support from Harry Brook, with the pair extending their partnership to 169 runs for the fourth wicket. Brook’s 84 helped the visitors anchor the middle overs, but his dismissal of Scott Boland shortly before lunch caused a mini-collapse at the other end.
Ben Stokes fell for a duck, while Jamie Smith scored a valuable 46 before being dismissed by Marnus Labuschagne. Through it all, Root kept one end strong. He reached his century after 146 deliveries with a push for two. The right-handed batsman then brought up his 150 as England crossed the 350-run mark. His innings eventually ended on 160 when Michael Neser produced a brilliant catch-and-bowled effort and also completed four wickets. England were eventually bowled out for 384 in 97.3 overs.
Top 5 players with most Test centuries
- Sachin Tendulkar –51 centuries in 200 matches
- Jacques Kallis – 45 centuries in 166 matches
- Ricky Ponting – 41 centuries in 168 matches
- Joe Root – 41 centuries in 163 matches
- Kumar Sangakkara – 38 centuries in 134 matches
Earlier in the innings, England had a mixed start. Openers Ben Duckett (27) and Zak Crawley (16) started well before Jacob Bethell’s dismissal left England three down on 60. From there, Root and Brook ensured England ended Day 1 in a strong position at 211 for 3 before intervening again.
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