WATCH: Joe Root takes spectacular reflex catch to dismiss Alex Carey during 1st Test of Ashes 2023

England player Joe Root took a splendid catch to dismiss Australian batter Alex Carey on Day 5 of the recently ended first Test match of the ongoing Ashes series. During the 81st over of Australia’s second innings, Root, who was bowling tossed up around off. Carey hammered it over and behind the bowler but failed to connect properly. As the ball was coming back to Root, he stuck both his hands together and grabbed a sharp reflex catch.

Alex Carey got out after scoring 20 runs off 50 balls and Australia lost their 8 wickets on 227 runs while chasing 281 runs on Day 5. However, after that, skipper Pat Cummins and Nathan Lyon put up an unbeaten partnership of 55 runs for the ninth and gave Australia a thrilling victory by 2 wickets to take a 1-0 lead in the series.

Watch the video here:

WHAT CATCH BY ROOT!!!! pic.twitter.com/pSzC8spUgb

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) June 20, 2023

Talking about the match, England declared their first innings on 393 runs for the loss of 8 wickets. Joe Root was the top scorer with 118 runs off 152 balls. In reply, Australia was bowled out for 386 runs, powered by Usman Khawaja’s knock of 141 runs off 321 balls, trailing by just 7 runs in the first innings.

Been class the last couple of years: Pat Cummins after the win

Coming to bat in the second innings, England was bowled out for 273 runs after some handful knocks by Root, Harry Brook and the skipper Ben Stokes. After that, there was a tough fight between both teams when Australia were chasing the target. The visitors were taking the score further while England were taking wickets at regular wickets. At last, Australia chased the winning total by losing 8 wickets.

“Both teams spoke about their styles and that’s the beauty of the series. We’ll both play to our strengths. Don’t know which is better but makes for good entertainment,” Pat Cummins said after the win.

“Incredible composure, played by own methods didn’t get caught up. Been class the last couple of years, to have someone like that in the middle for others to play around. I am really happy for him. He had a good feel for the wicket, everyone else tried to play their little role,” he further added.