England’s impressive performance in the ongoing first Test of the Ashes at Edgbaston continues to surprise the Australians. After a remarkable declaration of their innings, the hosts started day two with some early breakthroughs that rattled the World Test Champions. Stuart Broad, who began with three consecutive maiden overs, delivered a significant blow to Australia in the 11th over.
With the first delivery, he dismissed David Warner, and on the second, he had Marnus Labuschagne caught behind for a duck. Stuart Broad enticed Warner with a good length delivery outside off, leading to a thick under-edge that crashed into the stumps. The English camp erupted in celebration, while Warner, who fell victim to Broad for the 15th time in Test cricket, was left disappointed.
It’s happened again! 😅
Live clips/Scorecard: https://t.co/TZMO0eJDwY
🏴 #ENGvAUS 🇦🇺 #Ashes pic.twitter.com/qhtIvpAYmn
— England Cricket (@englandcricket) June 17, 2023
Stuart Broad then delighted the Edgbaston crowd once again by sending back the No. 1-ranked Test batter, Labuschagne, for a golden duck. Labuschagne attempted a drive without footwork, resulting in an edge that carried low to Jonny Bairstow behind the stumps.
🤩 A golden morning for @StuartBroad8…
And Marnus Labuschagne 😉 #EnglandCricket | #Ashes https://t.co/rFwd2cGy92 pic.twitter.com/q5Dt2wLK7W
— England Cricket (@englandcricket) June 17, 2023
On the previous day, Joe Root’s outstanding century was the highlight of England’s innings on a pitch that offered little for the bowlers. It was Root’s 30th Test hundred, equaling the all-time list with Matthew Hayden and Shivnarine Chanderpaul, just three behind Alastair Cook’s England record of 33.
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Joe Root’s century, his first against Australia since 2015, guided England to a declaration at 393/8, scoring at a rate of over five runs per over throughout the day.
Although Australia’s openers, Usman Khawaja and David Warner, added 14 runs before the end of the first day’s play, England’s strong performance put them in a favorable position. Despite Australia’s initial success with the score at 176/5, Root and Jonny Bairstow batted brilliantly to lift England to a competitive total on a batting-friendly pitch.
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Jonny Bairstow was eventually stumped for a quick-fire 78, while Moeen Ali fell in a similar manner as Alex Carey swiftly removed the bails. With the support of Broad and Robinson, Root reached his century in style, further strengthening England’s dominant position in the match. The team’s remarkable performance has left the Australians searching for answers as they look to stage a comeback in the Ashes opener.
