England’s Joe Root produced a batting clinic with a magnificent 160, but Travis Head’s blazing unbeaten 91 turned the momentum back Australia’s way as the fifth Ashes Test at the SCG moved firmly into heavyweight-battle territory.
England were bowled out for 384 despite Root’s brilliance, with the visitors losing 4 for 9 late to surrender control after Harry Brook fell for 84 and Michael Neser finished with a superb 4 for 60. Root’s knock, his 41st Test hundred, was touch and class combined, guiding England to what looked a commanding total before that late derailment left the door ajar.
Australia took full advantage. Head arrived and immediately went into counter-attack mode, crunching 91* from just 87 balls as England’s bowling lost bite under gloomy skies. Jake Weatherald fell for 21 and Marnus Labuschagne for 48 late in the day, but Australia marched to 166 for 2, reducing the deficit to 218 runs with Head in complete control.
England were left ruing missed chances, including two dropped catches, while Root also spent time off the field with back spasms, adding to their unease. Earlier, Mitchell Starc once again removed Ben Stokes, while Jamie Smith’s chaotic 46 and some strange passages of play summed up a series that has swung wildly.
With the pitch quickening and both camps trading blows, this SCG finale is set up beautifully. Root owned the morning. Head owned the evening. And the Ashes script looks nowhere near finished yet.
