Sydney, Jan. 5 -- A magnificent century from veteran batter Joe Root has helped England to reach a commanding position after the end of the first session of Day 2 in the visitors' first innings of the ongoing fifth and final Ashes Test against Australia at the Sydney Cricket Ground on Monday.

At lunch on Day 2, the Three Lions reached 336/6 in 78 overs with Will Jacks ( 3* off 11 deliveries) and Root (138* off 200 balls, including 14 fours) unbeaten at the crease. The partnership for the seventh wicket is 13 runs off 20 balls.

The Ben Stokes-led England started their Day 2 with an overnight score of 211/3 in 45 overs, with Root (72* off 103 balls, including eight fours) and Harry Brook (78 off 92 deliveries, with the help of six fours a...