Joe Root scores first Ashes century Down Under as England and Australia play out thrilling day in Second Test

Joe Root finally scored his first century Down Under as England and Australia fought out an enthralling opening day's play in the second Ashes Test at The Gabba.

At the 30th time of asking England's all-time top run-scorer reached three figures on Australian soil with what was the 40th ton of his remarkable Test career.

And he would finish unbeaten on 135 after a vital unbroken 10th-wicket stand of 60 with Jofra Archer (32 not out) that saw England reach 325-9 at stumps after a rollercoaster day in the Brisbane day-night Test.

After scores of nought and eight in England's two-day defeat in Perth, Root was put down on two at the Gabba as a diving Steve Smith failed to hang on to a difficult low chance at slip off Mitchell Starc.

However, the 34-year-old, who came to the crease in the third over with England wobbling on five for two, capitalised on his let-off to be a pillar of defiance in tricky pink-ball conditions.

He reached his fifty from 83 balls and got to his elusive century in his 16th Test Down Under off 181 deliveries, celebrating in typically understated fashion by removing his helmet, kissing the badge, and raising it and his bat aloft.

While Root will deservedly hog the headlines after his superb 202-ball knock, it was another day to forget for a majority of England's battling line-up with only Zak Crawley (76) making it past 50.

“[It was a] really good day,” said Crawley. “Unbelievable day for Joe [Root]. He has had that coming for a long time. Probably the best player I have we played with and against.

“Sometimes you don't get the rub of the green, but he didn't need the rub of the green. He just played a flawless knock.

“He made it look effortless. He has worked so hard on his game and he is a brilliant player. We are so chuffed and thrilled to bits for him.

“I was pleased with how I played, I wanted more, and I was gutted to get out.