- Stuart Broad And Matthew Hayden React As Joe Root Falls To Mitchell Starc In The 1st Ashes Test

Originally posted on Cricfit | By Sarvang Bhola | Last updated Nov 22, 2025 11:33 AM ET

England’s second innings in Perth sat on a razor’s edge when Mitchell Starc delivered a full, testing ball to Joe Root. With four wickets already gone, the lead remained uncertain, and Root stood as the one dependable batter separating Australia from access to the lower order. One late delivery later, his off stump was knocked back, the score slipping to 76/5 with a lead of 116, and the noise inside the Gabba rose sharply.

What followed was nearly as striking as the dismissal itself. The broadcast shifted away from the middle to the commentary box, focusing on Stuart Broad’s expression, which crumpled into unmistakable, powerless frustration. He reacted like someone who felt the blow of that wicket.

As the ball rattled into the base of the off stump, Broad rubbed his eyes, pinched the bridge of his nose, and leaned back, his lips pressed together, his face between disbelief and resigned awareness. It was almost possible to sense the competitor within him yearning to be out in the middle, attempting to pull England out of danger.

Stuart Broad and Matthew Hayden are getting along exceptionally well pic.twitter.com/460lLuOE9L

— Jitendra Kumar (@jitenda60203698) November 22, 2025

Hayden Smiles As Broad Reacts To Root’s Dismissal

Beside him, Matthew Hayden offered a complete contrast. As Broad slumped in disappointment, Hayden glanced at the replay wearing a clear, satisfied smile, his posture loosening. His reaction reflected that of a former Australian opener who had witnessed this scenario countless times, England relying on their premier batter, an Aussie quick tearing through him, and the home crowd erupting in delight.

That brief clip summed up the emotional split of an Ashes contest. Stuart Broad may now sit in the commentary box as a neutral voice, but years of sharing dressing rooms, battles, and victories with Root mean every English collapse still registers on his face. Hayden, on the other hand, easily slipped back into a partisan mindset, relishing another shift in momentum towards Australia.

Joe Root’s downfall — his second failure of the match, meant much more than just another entry on the scorecard. He is England’s backbone, the player expected to extend the lead and steady the innings. His dismissal, leaving England at 76/5, felt like a pivotal moment in the Test as well as a potential turning point in the trajectory of the entire series.

This article first appeared on Cricfit and was syndicated with permission.

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