Rory Burns’ maiden Test century helped England reach stumps on day two of the first Ashes Test on 267-4 to trail Australia by 17 runs. The 28-year-old Surrey batsman found his form at just the right time to bat throughout the entire day at Edgbaston as he ended play unbeaten on 125.
Burns started the morning session with Jason Roy, but the latter was quickly removed on 10 by James Pattinson with England on 22-1. Australia will rue not reviewing a failed lbw decision on Burns because he would have lost his wicket on just 21 had they taken the gamble. He then put on 132 runs alongside captain Joe Root, who hit a half century before being caught and bowled by Peter Siddle on 57.
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Joe Denly became Pattinson’s second victim of the day on 18, while Joss Buttler fell to the bowling of Pat Cummins on just five. Ben Stokes then enjoyed a 73-run stand with Burns to finish the day unbeaten on 38 and the pair will now focus on staying at the crease for as long as possible on Saturday to help build a big lead.
Speaking about his impressive ton, Burns told Sky Sports: “It was quite an enjoyable experience that – different from the Ireland Test. It was a really good experience with the crowd rocking. A lot of hard work [has gone in to this] from coaches, parents, so credit goes to them really.
“I have been trying to embrace opportunities as they come – the next game is another opportunity. “I just wanted to be in a better position to take that opportunity. I just tried to find a rhythm where I am more balanced and not falling over. “I don’t think you would coach many kids to bat like I do – sometimes you have to get in a battle and back you game-plan.”
