Joe Root played a lone hand with an unbeaten 120 as England reached 320 for 6 on the opening day of the third Test at Headingley, after Ben Stokes fell agonisingly short of a century.
Stokes departs in sight of ton
Ben Stokes looked set for his first Test hundred since the 2023 Ashes, but his innings of 89 ended when he was run out attempting a sharp single. The dismissal left Root as the mainstay of the innings, with the former captain carrying on to his 33rd Test century.
Stokes had shared a 143-run partnership with Root for the fourth wicket, rescuing England from 78 for 3. His knock included 11 fours and two sixes, but he was caught short of his ground by a direct hit from midwicket.
Root anchors the innings
Root's century was a masterclass in patience and shot selection, coming off 198 balls with 14 boundaries. He found able support from Harry Brook (45) and Chris Woakes (28 not out), but England's lower order will need to contribute on day two to push the total past 400.
Australia's bowlers toiled without much luck, with Pat Cummins the pick with 2 for 67. Nathan Lyon went wicketless in 28 overs, a rare sight on a pitch offering some turn.
According to former England captain Michael Vaughan, "Root's innings was a reminder of his class. He's the glue that holds this batting order together."
England's position and series context
England trail 2-0 in the series after heavy defeats at Lord's and Old Trafford. A win at Headingley is essential to keep the Ashes alive. The pitch is expected to break up further, making batting more difficult as the match progresses.
Australia's bowling attack, led by Cummins and Mitchell Starc, will look to wrap up the tail quickly on day two and then build a substantial first-innings lead.
