Australia opener Travis Head produced another devastating counterattack to neutralize Joe Root’s magnificent 160, as the hosts seized momentum on day two of the fifth Ashes Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground.

Root’s masterclass earlier in the day lifted England to a competitive 384, but Head once again exposed England’s fragile bowling attack, racing to an unbeaten 91 from just 87 balls. At stumps, Australia were 166-2, trailing by only 218 runs and firmly in control of the match.

Match Summary – Day Two at the SCG

• England: 384 all out
  • Root 160, Brook 84
  • Neser 4-60
• Australia: 166-2
  • Head 91*, Labuschagne 48
  • Stokes 2-30

With three days remaining, Australia are well placed to overtake England’s total and apply pressure in the third innings.

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England Squander Strong Position After Root Heroics

England began the day in a position of promise but once again failed to build sustained momentum. From 211-3, they collapsed to 384 all out, losing seven wickets for 158 runs, including a dismal final slide of 5-61.

The collapse was ignited by one of the most talked-about dismissals of the series — Jamie Smith’s reckless exit, which drew fierce criticism from commentators and former players alike. Smith, who had enjoyed considerable fortune during his nervy 46, played a poor shot to be caught off the bowling of part-time seamer Marnus Labuschagne.

The manner of the dismissal epitomized England’s broader issues throughout the Ashes: lapses in discipline at key moments.

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Neser Leads Improved Australia Bowling Display

Australia’s bowling effort, led by Michael Neser’s impressive 4-60, was a notable improvement on previous Tests. On a surface offering more assistance than earlier in the match, England’s total felt around par rather than commanding.

Despite Joe Root’s dominance, Australia’s bowlers maintained pressure and capitalized on England’s inability to bat deep.

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Travis Head Punishes England’s Wayward Bowling Again

Any hope England had of exerting scoreboard pressure evaporated quickly once Australia began their reply.

Head, whose promotion to opener in the first Test in Perth proved to be the defining tactical decision of the series, once again dismantled England’s plans. The left-hander repeatedly feasted on deliveries outside off stump — a persistent weakness England have failed to address.

Openers Head and Jake Weatherald added 50 runs in just 9.2 overs, aided by loose bowling from Brydon Carse and Matthew Potts, neither of whom were able to establish control with the new ball.

England’s woes were compounded by two dropped catches, further underlining their struggles in the field.

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Stokes Intervenes, but Australia Continue to Cruise

Captain Ben Stokes eventually stemmed the flow by trapping Weatherald lbw, but Head quickly rebuilt alongside Marnus Labuschagne. The pair added 105 runs, with Head dominating through the off side while Labuschagne accumulated calmly.

A heated exchange between Stokes and Labuschagne added spice late in the day, before the England captain induced an edge to gully to dismiss Labuschagne for 48.

Head, however, remained unbeaten at stumps and is well placed for his third century of the series, once again threatening to tilt the match decisively in Australia’s favor.

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Root Stands Alone for England

England’s innings would have unraveled much earlier without Joe Root, who delivered one of the finest performances of the series.

The former England captain resumed on 72 and carried his side through a perilous morning session. After Harry Brook fell for 84 and Stokes was dismissed for a duck, England lost 2-3 in just four overs, placing enormous pressure on Root.

He responded superbly, reaching his century and then accelerating past 150. In doing so, Root equaled Ricky Ponting’s tally of 41 Test hundreds, placing him behind only Sachin Tendulkar and Jacques Kallis on the all-time list.

Root’s innings finally ended when he offered a leading edge to Neser, triggering England’s final collapse of 4-9.

Later concerns over Root’s fitness were eased when England confirmed he had suffered back cramp, not a serious injury.

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A Series Defined by Flashes of Brilliance and Lingering Frustration

Despite individual excellence from Root and Head, this Ashes series has struggled to live up to expectations. Day two in Sydney reflected the wider narrative: moments of brilliance undermined by tactical confusion, poor execution, and lapses in discipline.

Only three teams in Test history have scored more than 384 batting first at the SCG and gone on to lose, but Australia now hold the advantage. With Head in sublime form and England’s confidence visibly fragile, the hosts are well positioned to press home their dominance.