Pat Cummins achieves unique feat, dismisses Joe Root for record 12th time in Test cricket

Day 2 of the third Ashes Test of the 2025–26 series began in dramatic fashion for England as Australia tightened their grip on the contest at the Adelaide Oval. After posting a competitive 371 in their first innings, the hosts delivered a ruthless bowling performance, leaving England reeling inside the opening session.

Australia’s pace attack struck early, reducing England to four wickets down before the first break. Amid the early collapse, hopes rested on senior batter Joe Root, who walked in with England in desperate need of stability. However, his stay at the crease was short-lived.

Root was dismissed for 19 off 31 balls by Australian captain Pat Cummins, who produced a sharp delivery that ended the former England skipper’s resistance. With that wicket, Cummins etched his name into the record books, becoming the bowler to dismiss Joe Root the most times in Test cricket.

This was the 12th occasion Cummins has removed Root in the longest format, overtaking India’s Jasprit Bumrah, who previously held the record with 11 dismissals of the England batter. The achievement underlines Cummins’ dominance in this high-profile Ashes rivalry and his ability to deliver breakthroughs at crucial moments.

Australia’s bowlers tighten the noose

England’s innings never truly gained momentum after Australia’s strong first-innings effort. Openers Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett managed starts, scoring 9 and 29 respectively, but neither could convert them into something substantial. Nathan Lyon added to England’s woes by striking twice in a single over, removing Ollie Pope for just three runs.

Harry Brook briefly looked fluent, counterattacking with confidence and scoring 45, but Cameron Green broke the partnership to send him back to the pavilion. At 126 for 5 after 36 overs, England found themselves under immense pressure, with Australia firmly in control of the match.

Cummins leads from the front

Pat Cummins’ record-breaking dismissal of Root not only highlighted his tactical brilliance but also reinforced his leadership credentials. Leading a disciplined bowling unit, Cummins ensured Australia capitalised fully on their first-innings advantage and kept England on the back foot.

With a sizeable lead and England struggling to stabilise their innings, Australia looked well placed to dictate terms heading into the remainder of the Test, as Cummins continued to stamp his authority on one of cricket’s fiercest rivalries.