Root ends century drought Down Under

England great’s first century in Australia tops Starc’s 6 wickets as England takes honours on Day 1

- ASSOCIATED PRESS

Joe Root posted a long-awaited first Ashes century in Australia to give England the honors on Day 1 of the second cricket test despite Mitchell Starc’s six wickets.

Starc removed Ben Duckett and Ollie Pope to have England reeling at 5-2 in the third over Thursday.

That's when Root went to the crease and set about restoring the England innings, and confidence, following the series-opening eight-wicket loss in Perth.

His unbeaten 135 led England to 325-9 at stumps, with No 11 Jofra Archer at a career-best 32 in an unbroken 61-run last-wicket stand.