Brisbane, Dec. 4 -- Joe Root's magnificent 135 not out, his first Test century on Australian soil, powered England to a fighting 325 for 9 at stumps on Day 1 of the second Ashes Test at The Gabba on Thursday, after a dramatic day dominated by Mitchell Starc's six-for and a late surge from Jofra Archer.
England, who won the toss and chose to bat, were rocked early when Starc removed Ben Duckett and Ollie Pope in quick succession, both falling inside the first three overs.
At 5 for 2, The Gabba spectators sensed a meltdown, but Zak Crawley and Root rebuilt with a 117-run stand. Crawley looked fluent, driving and pulling confidently on his way to 76 before Michael Neser ended his stay with an under-edge to the keeper.
Root, meanwhile, shift...