CRICKET: England all out for 384 after Root ton in fifth Ashes test

England posted 384 in their first innings on day two of the fifth Ashes Test at the SCG, with Joe Root scoring a brilliant 160. Despite his heroics, Australia, leading the series 3-1, are set to retain the Ashes.

Nick Mulvenney/Reuters

January 6, 2026

Joe Root scores 160 as England post 384 in first innings of Sydney Ashes Test; Australia retain the urn with series lead 3-1.

REUTERS/Asanka Brendon Ratnayake

SYDNEY – England were dismissed for 384 in their first innings to bring up tea on the second day of the fifth Ashes Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground on Monday.

Joe Root starred for England, scoring his second century of the series. He made 160 before being caught and bowled by Michael Neser (4-60). This marked Root’s 41st Test century, but only his second in Australia, following his century in the second Test in Brisbane.

England had resumed the day on 211-3 under sunny conditions at the SCG, with no sign of the stormy weather that washed out the final session on day one.

Harry Brook took a late chance against a Scott Boland delivery, departing early for 84. Ben Stokes soon followed, dismissed without scoring when a DRS review confirmed the slightest edge on a delivery from Mitchell Starc.

Jamie Smith, who had been called back to the crease after being initially dismissed for 22 on a no-ball, holed out for 46 off occasional bowler Marnus Labuschagne just before lunch.

Will Jacks struggled against the second new ball but managed a 52-run partnership for the seventh wicket with Root before edging Neser to gully for 27. Brydon Carse faced six balls and scored one run before being caught behind off Cameron Green. Neser then quickly removed Root and Josh Tongue to end England’s innings.

Australia, leading the series 3-1, have already secured retention of the Ashes urn.

-Reporting by Nick Mulvenney; Editing by Peter Rutherford/Reuters