Joe Root leads England to victory with outstanding batting performance in latest ‘Bazball’ chapter

England’s opening day in the Ashes series proved exciting as predicted. The day of Test cricket at Edgbaston was ebb and flow, with constant fluctuations in the balance of power. Zak Crawley set the tone for England, thumping the first ball of the match for four through extra cover. England continued to play to their strengths, with the Bazball revolution in action. However, it was not a typical first session of Test cricket, with Australia adopting a cautious approach. Despite this, England slumped to 176/5 with Harry Brook and Ben Stokes gone in the space of nine balls. A recovery led by Joe Root and Jonny Bairstow followed, with the balance of power shifting once again. Root’s reverse scoop over the wicketkeeper’s head for six against Pat Cummins was particularly memorable. The afternoon was full of action, with Root reaching his 30th Test century and Moeen Ali smashing a six to have the crowd roaring at its loudest. In a surprise move, Stokes declared to have a quick crack at Australia with the ball before the close. The first day of the Ashes series ended with the scoreboard reading 267-4 in favor of England. With the unpredictability of the first day, it is impossible to predict how the rest of the series will unfold, but it is sure to be entertaining.