Ashes 2025–26 [WATCH]: Pat Cummins bowls a jaffa to dismiss Joe Root for the record 12th time on Day 2 of Adelaide Test

Day 2 of the third Test of the Ashes 2025–26 at the Adelaide Oval turned into a nightmare morning for England as Australia tightened their grip on the contest. After posting a competitive first-innings total, the hosts unleashed a relentless bowling spell that dismantled England’s top order. The highlight of the session was a peach of a delivery from Pat Cummins that once again accounted for Joe Root, marking a historic milestone in their long-running duel.

Australia lay the platform with a solid first-innings total

Australia resumed Day 2 with confidence after being bowled out for 371 in their first innings. While the total was not overwhelming on a surface expected to aid batting early on, it proved more than enough once the Australian bowlers found rhythm and movement under clear Adelaide skies. The hosts were sharp in the field and clinical with the ball, setting the tone right from the opening exchanges of England’s reply.

Early blows leave England reeling

England’s innings began on an uncertain note, with the Australian pacers exploiting bounce and seam. Openers Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett struggled to settle, managing only brief stays at the crease. Crawley was dismissed cheaply, while Duckett looked promising before falling for 29. Nathan Lyon then entered the attack and struck twice in quick succession, removing Ollie Pope for a paltry three and further denting England’s confidence.

With wickets tumbling, England’s hopes rested heavily on Joe Root, the man often relied upon to steady the ship in challenging conditions.

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Pat Cummins removes Joe Root for the record 12th time in Test cricket

On the fourth ball of the 17th over, Cummins delivered a moment of brilliance that sent the Adelaide crowd into raptures. Bowling from a testing length outside off, Cummins induced Root into an uncertain prod. The ball nipped just enough, taking a thick outside edge that carried cleanly to Alex Carey, who dived forward to complete a sharp catch.

Root departed for 19 off 31 deliveries, walking off with a glance at the big screen as the significance of the dismissal sank in. It was the 12th time Cummins had dismissed Root in Test cricket, the most by any bowler. In achieving the feat, the Australian skipper moved ahead of Jasprit Bumrah, Mitchell Starc, and Josh Hazlewood in the list of bowlers who have troubled Root the most at the highest level.

Here’s the video:

Pat Cummins gets the prized scalp of Joe Root just after lunch!#Ashes | #PlayoftheDay | @nrmainsurance pic.twitter.com/2iRnD0Wcs3

— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) December 18, 2025

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