Xtra Time Web Desk: Joe Root scored his 30th test hundred as England declared on 393/8 from 78 overs on Day 1 of the first Ashes test at Edgbaston on Friday. Australian openers David Warner (8*) and Usman Khawaja (3*) negotiated the four overs bowled by Stuart Broad and Ollie Robinson to end Day 1 at 14/0, trailing by 379 runs.
England opener Zak Crawley (61 off 73) demonstrated positive intent, slamming the first ball of the series, bowled by Pat Cummins, for four. Jonny Bairstow scored at run-a-ball to smash 78 runs along with Root who scored his first test hundred (118 no off 152 balls) against the Aussies since 2015.
Root mixed classical shots with reverse sweeps and sublime reverse scoops as he completed his 30th Test ton, and fourth against Australia, from 145 balls, an innings which, along with Jonny Bairstow’s run-a-ball 78, helped England rally from 176-5.
Root’s straight six off Nathan Lyon was cue for Stokes to call his side in and let Stuart Broad loose against David Warner, a man he dismissed seven times from around the wicket in the drawn 2019 series as the Australia opener averaged 9.50.