Joe Root closes on Sachin Tendulkar after 2nd fifty in Ashes 2025-26; England fight hard at SCG after top-order failure

Joe Root closed in on legendary Sachin Tendulkar after the former England captain reached his 67th fifty in the longest format on Day 1 of the fifth an final Ashes 2025-26 Test against Australia on Sunday. Opting to bat first, England were in complete disarray, losing their top three with just 57 runs on board at the end of the 13th over.

It was Root, who along with Harry Brook rescued England from another batting collapse as the visitors kept the Australian pacers at bay since then. Although the duo survived some anxious calls, but their 150-plus stand for the unbroken fourth wicket eased things for England.

In the process, Root is just one half-century shy of touching Tendulkar's 68 for most fifties in Test cricket. Notably, this was Root's second fifty in the ongoing Ashes after one in the second Test in Brisbane. At Tea England are 211/3, with the partnership going up to 154 from 192 balls.