Head Strikes Back: Root’s 160 Overshadowed in Ashes Thriller

In an impressive display, Joe Root scored a commanding 160, propelling England to a total of 384 in the final Ashes Test on Monday. Meanwhile, Travis Head responded fiercely for Australia with an unbeaten 91, helping his team fight back in the contest.

Root’s masterful innings marked his 41st century, equaling the record of Ricky Ponting. His time at the crease concluded with a remarkable caught-and-bowled dismissal by Michael Neser, who secured figures of 4-60.

As Australia took to the field in a packed Sydney Cricket Ground, they managed to end the second day at 166/2, having lost Jake Weatherald (21) and Marnus Labuschagne (48) along the way. Neser, serving as nightwatchman, stood at one run, joining Head.

Weatherald, under pressure to perform, fell short once more since his debut in the Perth Test. His innings saw chances go by as he was dropped twice—by Root and Ben Duckett—before Ben Stokes finally trapped him lbw. In contrast, Head, like Root, has achieved two centuries this series and maintained his current form.

Head began confidently, striking three boundaries in Matthew Potts’ second over, as Potts filled in for the injured Gus Atkinson. He quickly reached a half-century off just 55 balls, showing no signs of easing his momentum.

Labuschagne was also in good touch, hitting seven boundaries before edging Stokes to Jacob Bethell at gully. Despite having already secured the Ashes with a 3-1 series lead, Australia is now seeking another victory, with England aiming for a win after their success in Melbourne.

Root’s 72-run start on the resumption day led him to an almost flawless century from 146 balls. His innings took him level with Ponting on the list of all-time century makers, only trailing Sachin Tendulkar (51) and Jacques Kallis (45).

England started at 211-3 and lost Harry Brook (84), Stokes (0), and Jamie Smith (46) by lunch. During the second session, they lost Will Jacks (27), Brydon Carse (1), Josh Tongue (0), in addition to Root.

Root played a central role throughout the innings. His partnership with Brook, which began when England was struggling at 57-3, stood out as the series’ highest at 169, surpassing Head and Alex Carey’s 162 in Adelaide. Unfortunately, Brook couldn’t capitalize, adding just six runs to his overnight 78 before edging a Scott Boland delivery to Steve Smith at slip.

Stokes’ innings was brief, dismissed after 11 balls edging Mitchell Starc to Carey. Jamie Smith, surviving a close call due to a no-ball, eventually fell to Labuschagne for 46.

Post-lunch, the tempo decreased with the new ball, yet Root advanced to a score of 150—something he’s achieved 17 times, just behind Don Bradman and Sachin Tendulkar—and formed a 52-run partnership with Jacks. Jacks eventually edged to Green at gully, followed by Root’s dismissal and Tongue’s for a scoreless end to the innings.

This coverage was published on January 5, 2026.