Brisbane, December 4 (IANS). The second Test of the Ashes (2025-26) between Australia and England started from Thursday at the Gabba in Brisbane. The first day was memorable for former England captain and legendary batsman Joe Root. Root scored his first Test century on Australian soil. This is the 40th Test century of his career. Joe Root is playing his 16th Test in Australia. Known for scoring centuries on grounds around the world, Root has yet to score a century on Australian soil in his decade-long career. Root filled this gap and that too in the Gaba ground where batting is considered very difficult. Root, who came in to bat at number four, single-handedly handled England’s innings and showed the courage to take the team strong by forming small partnerships. Root completed his century on 181 balls. This is the 40th century of his Test career. Root is the eighth English batsman to score a century at the Gabba. Before him, Morris Leyland, Tony Greig, Ian Botham, Mark Butcher, Andrew Strauss, Alistair Cook and Jonathan Trott had done it. Alastair Cook is the only English batsman to score a double century at the Gabba. Root is the second England player after Leyland to score a century on the first day of the Gabba Test. After the end of 67.2 overs of the first day, England scored 269 runs for 9 wickets. Joe Root played on 111 runs. Jofra Archer is on the crease with him. England won the toss and decided to bat first. Australia leads the series 1-0 after winning the first Test played in Perth. –IANS PAK Share this story Tags