Travis Head’s Unbeaten 91 Counters Joe Root’s 160 As Rain Again Disrupts Play In Sydney

Sydney: Rain continued to interrupt play on the second day of the fifth and final Ashes Test between Australia and England here on Monday, forcing an early close once again. England’s Joe Root (160 off 242 balls, 15 fours) and Australia’s Travis Head (91 not out) emerged as the standout performers of the day.

Root’s 41st Test century

At stumps, Australia were 166 for 2 in their first innings. Travis Head was just nine runs short of what would have been his 12th Test century and his third of the ongoing series. Earlier, Root had brought up his 41st Test hundred.

169-run stand between Root and Brook

England were bowled out for 384 in their first innings, with Root’s 160 and Harry Brook’s 84 forming the backbone of the total. The pair added 169 runs for the fourth wicket. Australian pacer Michael Neser was the most successful bowler with four wickets. Australia still trailed the visitors by 218 runs, with both Australian wickets claimed by England captain Ben Stokes.

Australia lead series 3–1

With frequent rain interruptions in Sydney, the match is likely to stretch into the fourth or fifth day. Australia currently hold a commanding 3–1 lead in the Ashes series.