1st Ashes Test: Joe Root Gets Dismissed By Mitchell Starc On 8, England Cricket Legend In Disbelief

In a dramatic turn during the latest Ashes Test, England's hopes took a sharp hit when Joe Root was bowled by Mitchell Starc and the lead slipped away. Meanwhile, former England great Stuart Broad sat in the commentary box, clearly pained, while ex-Australia opener Matthew Hayden watched on with a grin. The scene perfectly captured contrasting emotions at the heart of a fierce Australia vs England battle, one side deeply hurt, while the other side was happily enjoying the shift in the game. It was a moment that underlined how the Ashes are as much about emotion as they are about cricket. the cricket was to watch them about 

Stuart Broad and Matthew Hayden are getting along brilliantly 😭#Ashes https://t.co/QyAAUQxrW8 pic.twitter.com/qYYr2iMNey

— 7Cricket (@7Cricket) November 22, 2025

England were in a dangerous position in their second innings when Australia's spearhead Mitchell Starc bowled Root, shifting the momentum. At 76/5, even a 116-run lead started looking weak, and the crowd got louder as Australia felt England were starting to fall apart.

As the stumps fell, the camera cut to Stuart Broad in the commentary box. His face betrayed disbelief and frustration, he rubbed his eyes, pinched his nose and leaned back, an ex-player's instinct still clearly visible on his face.

In complete contrast, Matthew Hayden sat beside him, relaxed and smiling. The former Australian opener seemed to have seen this script before, England pinned on their star batter, the quick wanting to rip them apart, the crowd roaring. Hayden's body language spoke volumes about the emotional divide in this storied rivalry.

Root's dismissal was more than just a wicket on the board. He is England's rock, the one who often holds the innings together. With him gone, and the team reeling at 76/5, the contest tilted heavily in Australia's favour. The breakdown wasn't just numerical, it was psychological.

For England, this is a moment of reckoning. Their lead evaporated at a crucial point, and the image of Broad's anguish will linger, not just because it was a powerful visual, but because it reflects how finely balanced these contests are. For Australia, it's a statement: when Starc and the bowlers strike together, they can crumble even the best of batting line-ups.

Topics mentioned in this article

Joe Root Mitchell Starc Stuart Broad Matthew Hayden Cricket