Archive · 6 Jan 2026
Root Century Leads England on Day 2
In the fifth Ashes Test between England and Australia, Joe Root scored a big 138 runs to help England reach 384 in their first innings.
England had a good start, but they lost some wickets towards the end.
Ben Stokes, the England captain, got into a heated argument with Australian player Marnus Labuschagne.
Stokes even put his arm around Labuschagne, which some Australian cricket legends thought was not right.
Australia is currently leading the series 3-1 and is batting well with Travis Head scoring 91 runs not out.
The match is being played at the Sydney Cricket Ground.
Joe Root scored 138 not out to help England reach 384 in their first innings.
England lost four wickets for around 60 runs after Jamie Smith's dismissal, leading to a mini-collapse.
Ben Stokes was involved in a heated exchange with Marnus Labuschagne, putting his arm around him, which was criticized by Australian legends Brett Lee and Adam Gilchrist.
Travis Head scored 91 not out, and Australia finished Day 2 at 166/2, trailing England by 218 runs.
Australia leads the series 3-1 and has already retained the Ashes urn.
- Who
- England and Australia cricket teams
- What
- Joe Root scored a century, England scored 384, Ben Stokes involved in a heated exchange with Marnus Labuschagne
- When
- Day 2 of the fifth Ashes Test on Monday
- Where
- Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG)
- Why
- England is batting in the first innings of the fifth Ashes Test
Australian Critics
England's Perspective
Stokes' Physical Contact
Australian Critics
Australian legends Brett Lee and Adam Gilchrist criticized Stokes for putting his arm around Marnus Labuschagne during a heated exchange, questioning the appropriateness of physical contact between opponents.
England's Perspective
No direct response from the England team, but the context suggests Stokes was trying to assert dominance or defuse the situation.
- Venue
- Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG)
- Series Lead
- Australia leads 3-1
- England Score
- 384 in the first innings
- Australia Score
- 166/2 at the end of Day 2
- Joe Root's Score
- 138 not out
- Will Jacks' Score
- 3 not out
- Jamie Smith's Score
- 46
- Harry Brook's Score
- 84
- Ben Stokes' Score
- 0 (duck)
- Travis Head's Score
- 91 not out
- Marnus Labuschagne's Score
- 48
Sources
Ashes PIX: Root hits 41st Test century; England on top on Day 2
Ben Stokes out or not out? Controversial Snicko technology comes under fresh fire at SCG in Ashes 2025-26; watch video
Ashes: Stokes, Labuschagne engage in fiery exchange on Day 2 of SCG Test
Gilchrist, Lee question Stokes touching Labuschagne during heated SCG exchange: ‘Should you be touching?’
Ashes 2025-26: Ex-skipper Nasser Hussain calls Jamie Smith's 'really poor shot' is 'problem with this England side'
Teammate Reacts To Marnus Labuschagne-Ben Stokes Clash: 'Just The Fact That He's Such A...'
