The opening day of the historic Pink Ball Test in the Ashes series was a tale of two significant milestones, setting the stage for another gripping contest between England and Australia. While Australian pace spearhead Mitchell Starc etched his name into the record books, England's batting mainstay, Joe Root, stood firm with a defiant century to keep his team in the fight at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.
Starc's Fiery Spell and Historic Achievement
The day began with England winning the toss and opting to bat first, a decision that was immediately put under pressure by the Australian fast bowlers. Mitchell Starc, playing in his 86th Test match, provided the early breakthrough by dismissing England opener Rory Burns. However, the left-arm quick saved his most significant moment for later in the day.
In a fiery spell under the Melbourne lights, Starc clean bowled England's nightwatchman, Jack Leach, to claim his 350th wicket in Test cricket. This monumental achievement makes him only the fifth Australian to reach this landmark, joining an illustrious club featuring legends like Shane Warne, Glenn McGrath, Nathan Lyon, and Dennis Lillee. Starc's early strikes were crucial in keeping England's aggressive 'Bazball' approach in check during the initial phases.
Root's Masterclass Anchors England's Innings
While Australia struck regular blows, the backbone of England's innings was provided by their former captain, Joe Root, who remained unbeaten on a masterful 114 runs at stumps. Walking in at a precarious 61 for 2, Root displayed immense composure and skill to counter the moving pink ball. He forged vital partnerships, notably with Ben Stokes, to steer England towards a position of relative safety.
Root's century, his first in a day-night Test, was a testament to his technical prowess. He carefully navigated the challenging twilight period, which is known to assist swing and seam bowling, and accelerated once set. His unbeaten knock ensured that England finished the day at a respectable 256 for 6, a score that looked improbable after they were reduced to 150 for 5 at one stage.
A Good Omen for England's Fightback
The final session offered a glimmer of hope for the visiting side, which trails 0-2 in the five-match series. Root's unwavering presence at the crease, combined with a handy contribution from wicketkeeper-batsman Jonny Bairstow, allowed England to end the day on a positive note. Their unbroken 48-run partnership for the seventh wicket has given the team something to build upon on the second morning.
For Australia, despite Starc's historic feat, the day ended with a slight sense of frustration as they failed to capitalise fully on helpful bowling conditions. Captain Pat Cummins and off-spinner Nathan Lyon also chipped in with wickets, but Root's resilience has kept the contest finely balanced. The first day of the Boxing Day Test has perfectly encapsulated the ebb and flow of Ashes cricket, promising more drama as the match progresses under the unique conditions of the pink ball.
