Joe Root equals Ricky Ponting before Australia fightback
The English batter, who is approaching 14,000 runs in the format, joined Ponting who was in attendance at the Sydney Cricket Ground.
Joe Root went level with Ricky Ponting in equal-third in the all-time men's Test century list, bringing up his 41st hundred on day two in Sydney before Travis Head led Australia’s fightback to leave the fifth Test finely poised at the end of day two.
Resuming on 72 after play was called early on day one, Root contined his push with little fuss in spite of a better bowling effort from the hosts who were also aided by a more inconsistent surface.
Root watched Harry Brook (84), Ben Stokes (0) and Jamie Smith (46) fall at the other end, though carried on to walk off at lunch on 138 not out.
In the second session of the day Root reached the 150 mark, and was eventually dismissed for 160 by an athletic caught and bowled from Michael Neser.
It's the second century for Root on the tour who had curiously not reached the magical mark in 14 Test matches held in Australia before the current series.
England were bowled out for 384, with the Australian opening pair of Travis Head and Jake Weatherald putting together a half-century opening stand in reply.
Ben Stokes broke the partnership by dismissing Weatherald in the 13th over of the Australian innings. Head however, continued to lead the charge for the hosts with a flamboyant knock, well supported by Marnus Labuschagne (48).
Labuschagne fell two short of his half century as Stokes struck again just before the close of play to wrest some momentum back for England as Australia ended the day with the score of 166/2 with Head unbeaten on 91.
The tourists are currently 3-1 down in the five-Test Ashes, though a win in Sydney would hand the English 12 vital ICC World Test Championship points as they strive to move from seventh in the nine-team standings.
Ashes schedule:
First Test: Perth Stadium, November 21-22 (Australia won by eight wickets)
Second Test: Gabba, December 4-7 (Australia won by eight wickets)
Third Test: Adelaide Oval, December 17-21 (Australia won by 82 runs)
Fourth Test: MCG, December 26-30 (England won by 4 wickets)
Fifth Test: SCG, January 4-8
