Sydney, Jan 5 (NationPress) England’s batting stalwart Joe Root has once again showcased his prowess in the Ashes, equaling Ricky Ponting's record by reaching a remarkable 41 Test centuries on day two of the Sydney Test. Root's achievement places him in a tie for third place on the all-time men's Test century list, having accomplished this in fewer matches than Ponting. The Australian legend reached his 41 Test centuries over 168 matches from 1995 to 2012, while Root achieved this milestone in just 163 appearances since his debut against India in Nagpur in December 2012. This knock also marks his first international century of the calendar year 2026.

This is Root's second century on the current tour, having curiously not reached this milestone in his previous 14 Test matches in Australia prior to this series.

Starting Day 2 at 72, the 35-year-old dominated the morning session, leading England to a score of 272 for 5. He struck 11 boundaries while confidently tackling an Australian bowling attack that included Mitchell Starc, Scott Boland, Cameron Green, and Neser.

Before this tour, Root had never achieved an international century on Australian soil. However, he altered that narrative earlier in the series with an unbeaten 138 in the Brisbane day-night Test, and his performance in Sydney marks his first red-ball century at the SCG, emphasizing his increasing impact as the series unfolds.

Root's innings were supported by significant partnerships that gradually wore down the Australian bowlers. He formed a formidable 169-run partnership with Harry Brook that extended from Day 1 into Day 2, followed by a 94-run partnership with Jamie Smith, which further challenged the hosts before Smith was dismissed just before lunch.

A seventh-wicket partnership of 52 with Will Jacks kept England on course for a formidable total, but the dismissal of Jacks triggered a late collapse, as the visitors were eventually all out for 384.

While Root was at the crease, England appeared set to surpass the 400-run mark. Australia finally found a breakthrough through a spectacular moment from Neser. On the opening delivery of the 98th over, he extracted unexpected bounce that surprised Root, resulting in the ball striking high on the bat as he attempted a flick.

Neser swiftly responded, diving to his right to complete a remarkable one-handed catch that ended Root’s innings.

On the third ball of that over, Neser dismissed Josh Tongue as England concluded their first innings with a total of 384 runs.