Just when it looked like England were heading for another nightmare start in Australia, Zak Crawley and Joe Root stood tall and changed the mood in Brisbane. Under gloomy lights and with the pink ball doing its tricks, England found themselves reeling early.
However, by tea on Day 1 of the second Ashes Test, they had fought their way back to 98 for 2, thanks to a calm and confident recovery.
Starc Strikes Early as England Stumble
After Ben Stokes won the toss and chose to bat, England’s decision looked risky almost immediately. Mitchell Starc, swinging the new pink ball at pace, tore through the top order ruthlessly.
First, Ben Duckett lasted only one ball. A full delivery kissed the edge and flew straight to Marnus Labuschagne at first slip. Golden duck. England were already under pressure.
Then things worsened. In Starc’s very next over, Ollie Pope chopped on a wide delivery. England slumped to 5 for 2, and the familiar fear of another collapse loomed large.
At that moment, Brisbane felt very hostile.
Crawley Finds His Rhythm Under Pressure
Walking in with his spot under scrutiny, Zak Crawley could easily have folded. He was coming off two ducks in Perth and had plenty to prove. Instead, he responded in the best possible way, with patience first and elegance later.
As the shine faded off the pink ball, Crawley began to grow in confidence. He used his height superbly, getting forward to the fast bowlers and meeting the ball under his eyes. Gradually, the boundaries started to flow.
His half-century came off 68 balls, an innings decorated with six fours. By tea, he stood firm on 61 not out, looking assured and settled. It was a reminder that form can turn quickly in Test cricket.
Root Steadies the Ship Once Again
At the other end, Joe Root played the perfect supporting role. He was given a lifeline early when Steve Smith spilled a tough chance at slip. From there on, Root made Australia pay.
He looked fluent without being flashy. Solid defence, soft hands and sharp awareness defined his stay at the crease. By the tea break, Root had moved to 32 not out, quietly building a platform for England.
More importantly, he looked completely at ease. And with his record, that always rings danger bells for the opposition. Root is still searching for his first Test hundred in Australia, and this innings has set the stage nicely.
A Day of Tributes and Tactical Surprises
It was also an emotional morning for English cricket. Both teams wore black armbands to honour former England batter Robin Smith, who passed away unexpectedly on December 1. A minute’s silence followed before play began, adding a sombre tone to the opening session.
Meanwhile, Australia sprang a tactical surprise of their own. Pat Cummins remained absent due to his back issue, but the bigger shock came with the omission of Nathan Lyon. Instead, Australia went with seamer Michael Neser.
It marked the first time in nearly 14 years that Australia played a home Test without a front-line spinner. A bold call, especially on a surface expected to flatten out as the match progresses.
What to Expect After Tea
The game is beautifully poised. Australia have already struck early, while England have responded with resilience. With Crawley set and Root ticking along, the next session could swing either way.
If England bat deep, they can put genuine pressure back on the hosts. However, another burst from Starc or his fellow quicks could still turn the contest sharply in Australia’s favour.
One thing is certain though. After a shaky start, England are finally in the fight.
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