The first day of the Brisbane day-night Test delivered a gripping balance of bat and ball, with Australia’s Mitchell Starc and England’s Joe Root emerging as the central figures in a compelling opening chapter of the match.
Starc, long renowned for his mastery of pink-ball bowling, produced a superb spell to claim six wickets, dismantling England’s top order within the first hour. Yet despite Australia’s early dominance, Root’s undefeated 135 ensured England reached a competitive 325 for 9 by the close of play.
England’s innings began in disastrous fashion. Starc removed Ben Duckett for a duck with the last ball of the opening over, drawing a thick edge to the slips. He struck again almost immediately, bowling Ollie Pope with a delivery that seamed back sharply. England found themselves at 5 for 2, both openers dismissed without scoring.
A much-needed recovery came through Zak Crawley, who put together a composed innings of 76 from 93 balls, and Root, who marshalled the innings with authority. Their partnership of 117 stabilised the visitors before Crawley edged Michael Neser behind.
Root continued to hold the innings together as wickets fell around him. He added 54 with Harry Brook and 40 with Will Jacks before both departed—Brook to a sharp catch at slip off Starc, and Jacks later to the same bowler. In the process, Starc notched a historic achievement: he overtook Wasim Akram’s long-held record for the most wickets taken by a left-arm fast bowler in Test history. By stumps, his tally stood at 418 wickets.
England’s evening session provided both setbacks and resilience. Captain Ben Stokes was run out following a mix-up with Root, and Jamie Smith was bowled by Scott Boland. However, Root maintained his composure, reaching his 40th Test century—and his first in Australia—with a boundary. The shot also carried him to over 1,000 career Test runs on Australian soil.
Jofra Archer offered invaluable support late in the session, making a brisk unbeaten 32 from 26 deliveries and contributing to a crucial 61-run stand with Root that helped England regain lost ground.
At stumps, England’s total of 325 for 9 reflected both their early collapse and their eventual fightback. Starc’s six wickets had placed Australia in a strong position, yet Root’s defiant hundred ensured the contest remained finely poised heading into the second day.
