Fans of Test cricket were in for a delicious treat late Tuesday evening at Edgbaston, where a dramatic first Ashes Test came to a thrilling finish as Australia sealed the game by 2 wickets. England, having declared surprisingly early in their first innings, were in control for the most part of the Test match, but it was their arch rivals who staged a fightback to remember with skipper Pat Cummins and Nathan Lyon taking their team across the line.
For the hosts, it was their most experienced batter Joe Root who took centre stage with his 30th Test century, an unbeaten 118 that helped England post 393 on the board. The former England captain followed it up with another important knock in the second innings, a handy 46 before falling to Lyon. He then also turned up with the ball to inflict some last-minute drama as he got rid of Alex Carey with a stunning caught-and-bowled, leaving the Aussies eight wickets down while chasing a tricky 281.
🚨 BREAKING NEWS 🚨
— England's Barmy Army 🏴🎺 (@TheBarmyArmy) June 21, 2023
Joe Root is officially the best Test batsman in the world in the latest ICC rankings 🌍 pic.twitter.com/oXPwToq0xA
Root's brilliance with the bat means he is now the world's leading batter in the ICC Test Rankings for Men's Cricket, dethroning rival Marnus Labuschagne who previously occupied the top spot.
Root Scoops all the way!
A peculiar aspect of Root's batting was on display during the Edgbaston Test, where the Englishman once again brought his reverse scoop game to the fore. This time, it was Cummins and Scott Boland at the receiving end. Incidentally, the Royals batter was also seen practising the scoop shot in the nets during his time with Rajasthan Royals in the IPL 2023 season.
Anyone know what Rooty had for tea? 🤔
— England Cricket (@englandcricket) June 16, 2023
He RAMPS Scott Boland for six! 🔥
We'll have what he's having! 😉 #EnglandCricket | #Ashes pic.twitter.com/ajXQi3biYK