The first day of the second Ashes test ended with Australia taking 221/2 thanks to a partnership of 172 runs between Marnus Labuschagne and David Warner. The Australians had a slow start after Pat Cummins failed the test after coming in close contact with a covid-infected person. Smith won the toss and elected to bat first.
James Anderson and Stuart Broad were outstanding to open with the pink ball. Marcus Harris and David Warner didn't get any easy runs.
As the ball touched the pads, Harris was saved by Jos Buttler's diving catch.
As England continued to bowl hard, Warner went over with his slowest start in a Test match. Also, Labuschagne did not look to be at ease paying runs and had to wait.
After dinner, Warner and Labuschagne seemed to be in a good situation. In the absence of much support for the bowlers, Root had to give a few overs to keep the run rate down.
They added 172 runs for the second wicket in 345 balls. Warner and Labuschagne both looked to have a strong chance at getting their centuries. Warner, on the other hand, scored 95 runs. In an effort to get the ball through the cover, he found that the only man on the offside took the catch.
The team's captain joined Labuschagne. England managed to recover with their second new ball, but the pair were extremely stable at the wicket.
Due to tight bowling, Labuschagne was unable to complete his century today and will have to wait till tomorrow to join Steve Smith in the triple digits score.