Big fish Root gone as Aussies set for win

Brisbane – Pace spearhead Mitchell Starc (right) says there are encouraging signs for Australia in the Ashes series after winning the early battles with England’s top batting duo Joe Root and Alastair Cook at the Gabba.

The Australians are sailing to apparent victory in the first Test, just 56 runs away and with 10 wickets in hand, after restricting skipper Root to a second-innings half-century and twice dismissing senior batsman Cook cheaply.

Much depended on Root yesterday after he was out for 15 in the first innings, but he was out lbw for 51.

Former Test skipper Cook had a poor match, scoring just two and seven and facing a total of only 24 balls.

“It’s still a long way to go in the series, but there are encouraging signs for us,” Starc said after yesterday’s fourth day.

“We knew the two guys in their line-up we’d have to keep quiet throughout the series, being so experienced and important in their side.

“Obviously, Cookie has scored 10 runs or something over two innings ... a big plus for us there.

“Joe, we’ve found a way to get him out both innings.

“Conditions will change as we go to different places, but it’s a great start with the first Test.”

Starc said he was delighted to have had to bowl a total of just 44 overs, leaving him well-placed for the second Test in Adelaide starting on Saturday. – AFP