Root ton, reverse-ramps, first-ball mayhem and shock declaration – Aussies endure peak BazBall on thrilling opening day

It was explosive, it was topsy-turvy, and it was utterly, utterly compelling – the 2023 Ashes series could hardly have got off to a more spectacular start in Edgbaston.

From the moment England opener Zak Crawley began the series by larruping Australian captain Pat Cummins through the covers in a moment reminiscent of Michael Slater’s iconic first-ball four to start the 1994/95 series, the Poms’ ‘BazBall’ mantra provided thrills and spills galore as they rollicked their way to 393 in 78 overs of mayhem after winning the toss and choosing to bat.

>>DAY 1 AS IT HAPPENED

Leading the way was Joe Root, the English champion’s spectacular form extending into a third straight year to notch his 30th Test century, and first against Australia since 2015 – remarkably, in reaching three figures the former captain also ended a run of 12 Ashes half-centuries without raising the bat.

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