In a dramatic conclusion to the opening day of the second Ashes Test, Joe Root and Jofra Archer accomplished an extraordinary feat, replicating a 100-year-old record. With England struggling at 264 for nine, the unlikely pairing of Root and Archer dug in, adding an unbroken 61 runs for the tenth wicket and guiding England to a respectable 325 at the close of play.
Archer’s arrival at the crease ignited a dramatic shift in momentum. His fearless hitting provided the impetus needed to complement Joe Root’s solid batting, turning what could have been a disastrous end to the day into a moment of historical significance. This partnership was crucial in building England’s total after a day that had seen other batters struggle, despite Root’s impressive century.
This unbroken 61-run stand between Root and Archer is the first time in a century that a tenth-wicket partnership has registered 50 or more runs in the first innings of an Ashes Test played in Australia. The last time this rare event occurred was in 1925, when Arthur Mailey and Jack Ryder contributed 73 runs for the final wicket, showcasing the enduring rarity of such an achievement.
Beyond the centennial record, this partnership also holds significance in more recent Ashes history. It marks the first occasion in 43 years that a tenth wicket pair has accumulated over 50 runs in an Ashes Test in Australia. The previous instance was Allan Border and Jeff Thomson’s 70-run stand in the 1982 Boxing Day Test. Root and Archer have now joined an elite group of players who have achieved this feat.
The remarkable resilience shown by Root and Archer has significantly strengthened England’s position. Considering the typical scoring patterns in Australian day-night Tests, where 300+ first-innings scores have historically led to victory, Australia faces a considerable challenge. Their bowlers will aim to break this partnership early on day two, while their batters must deliver an exceptional performance to stay competitive in the match.