On a cold and windy morning at the Sophia Gardens in Cardiff, not many were expecting England to fight back the way they did after losing three quick wickets after opting to bat first. The hosts were 43 for three when Joe Root, the middle-order batsman, walked into the crease.
He knew attack is the best form of defence and, eventually, played one of the best Test knocks of his career. Root not only scored a magnificent hundred for his team, but also bailed his side from further hiccups.
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With the help of 166 deliveries and 17 hits to the fence, Root made a much-needed 134. Though, he was dropped once before making that score, he still made a huge impression. It was his knock that enabled England to make 343 for seven when the stumps were drawn on the opening day of the first Ashes Test on Wednesday.
If building partnership is the most important bit in batting, Root, along with Gary Balance (61 off 149 balls) did exactly that. They shared a crucial 153-run stand for the fourth wicket with a healthy run-rate of 3.92 runs per over. England did not lose a single wicket in the post-lunch session as the Root-Balance pair prospered.
For the Australian bowlers, it was a tough day on a pitch, which had invariable bounce. Josh Hazlewood and Mitchell Starc took three wickets apiece for Australia with the late dismissal of Jos Buttler leaving the game evenly poised.
The biggest disappointment was Mitchell Johnson’s form with the ball, as he went wicket-less after bowling twenty overs on the first day. Sadly, he didn’t look like the same bowler who played the leading role last time these countries had met in 2013-14 Ashes, which Australia had won 5-0.
But the other Australian bowlers compensated Johnson’s inconsistent form. Both Starc and Hazlewood maintained a tight line and kept testing the England team. But it was Root, who came in between with full of aggressive intent.
A few of his cover drives and stylish cuts were simply scintillating. He pounced on anything that was pitched short, wide or half-volley to compile his seventh Test century and second against Australia.
A patient Ballance was trapped in front by Hazlewood while Starc ended Root’s innings. Even Ben Stokes was quite aggressive in his approach and made a fine 52 off 78 balls before getting out to Starc.
When the proceedings on the second day begin, Australia will be looking to polish off the tail-enders. It remains to be seen what kind of strategy Moeen Ali (26) and Stuart Broad (0) adopt on Day Two!
