Root hits masterful century before England deliver post-Christmas gifts

The Richies were out in force on an eventful second day, an entire block of supporters decked out in either cream, bone, white, off-white, ivory or beige.

- Ali Martin

Joe Root works the ball away en route to a second century of the series (left) which he celebrated with a kiss of the England badge on his helmet.

Bathed in sunshine, flags fluttering over the two heritage-listed pavilions, the backdrop for Joe Root's 41st Test hundred was absolutely marvellous.

This has not been the case for Root in Sydney over the years. In 2014, the SCG witnessed the only time he has been dropped by England. In 2018, he made scores of 83 and 58 not out but ended up on a drip due to extreme heat, his side having crumbled to a 4-0 series defeat. Four years later, came a duck and 24, England saving the Test to dodge the whitewash, but his captaincy long since sunk.

But at the fourth time of asking, Root will now leave the harbour city with some happier memories.

Resuming on 72, England's master batter crafted 160 from 242 balls, propping up a total of 384 in 97.3 overs while celebrating his second century of the tour and his first in Australia against the red ball.

Root is now level with Ricky Ponting for Test hundreds, with only Jacques Kallis on 45, and Sachin Tendulkar with 51 above him on this list of all-time greats.