Ashes 2025-26 : Stuart Broad left stunned after Joe Root’s dismissal as Matthew Hayden mocks ex-pacer on Day 2 of Perth Test

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England’s batting line-up endured another bruising session on Day 2 of the Perth Test in the Ashes 2025-26, and the moment Joe Root fell once again to Mitchell Starc sparked a whirlwind of reactions — none more dramatic than Stuart Broad‘s stunned disbelief beside an amused Matthew Hayden.

Root entered England’s second innings under pressure after a first-innings duck, but Australia wasted no time tightening the screws. Starc, operating with rhythm and confidence, targeted the channel outside off stump — the very line that troubled Root on Day 1. The veteran Englishman couldn’t resist the invitation, poking at a delivery that angled across him, and edged behind for a mere eight.

Root’s early exit dragged England down to 76/5, leaving their innings in disarray and igniting a familiar sense of vulnerability in the visiting camp. It was a moment that underscored Starc’s dominance and England’s inability to rebuild after repeated early blows.

As the cameras cut to the commentary box, Broad’s face told the story of every England supporter — hands over his eyes, a deep exhale, and a look of disbelief as he watched his close friend and former teammate walk back. Beside him, Hayden saw an opportunity and pounced with trademark banter. With Alison Mitchell calling the dismissal, Hayden leaned into his microphone and delivered a jab that had the panel erupting.

“Stuart Broad, stay in the commentary box. You are taking wickets galore,” Hayden quipped, grinning as Broad momentarily looked away, clearly gutted by the unfolding collapse.

Broad’s expression shifted between shock, frustration, and resignation, his muted reaction amplifying the moment’s emotion. Social media quickly lit up with clips of the exchange, with fans calling it one of the standout off-field moments of the series so far.

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

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

Also WATCH: Ashes 2025-26: Steve Smith takes a stunning low catch to dismiss Ben Duckett on Day 2 of the Perth Test

The drama surrounding Root’s dismissal was part of a larger subplot — Australia’s relentless control with the ball. Starc set the tone early in the day, first taking a superb catch to remove Zak Crawley and then unleashing a devastating spell that accounted for Root and Ben Stokes. Scott Boland joined the demolition job, chiselling out Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope, and Harry Brook with disciplined, stump-to-stump bowling.

England’s innings folded for 164, leaving Australia a target of 205 — one that seemed par on a lively surface, but the hosts made it look far more manageable. Any hope of an England fightback was quashed in a matter of hours as Travis Head blazed 123 off 83 balls, punishing anything remotely loose and converting pressure into dominance. His innings, packed with 16 fours and four sixes, turned the chase into a procession. Marnus Labuschagne anchored the other end with an unbeaten 51, guiding Australia to an emphatic eight-wicket win — remarkably clinched by Day 2 afternoon, leaving England shell-shocked.

Also READ: Ashes 2025-26: Fans erupt as Travis Head and Mitchell Starc guide Australia to dominant eight-wicket win over England at Perth to take 1-0 lead in Test series