Joe Root’s ordinary performance in Australian conditions continued in the opening Test of the five-match Ashes series in Perth. The former England captain had a forgettable game, 0 and 8 at the Optus Stadium.

Mitchell Starc proved to be Root’s nemesis in both innings. In the first essay, the English batter was caught by Marnus Labuschagne. In the second innings, Root managed to open his account but couldn’t carry on, falling again before reaching double digits.

Coming in at No. 4 after a solid 65-run stand during the second session on Day 2, Root tried to maintain the momentum. Scott Boland sparked a sudden slump, dismissing the in-form Ollie Pope and Harry Brook in the 19th over. In the space of a few deliveries, England tumbled from 65 for 1 to 76 for 4.

Next up was Mitchell Starc. Sensing an opportunity, Steve Smith’s decision to bring his leading pacer into the attack paid off immediately. Starc claimed the prized wicket of England’s top run-maker with a perfectly executed plan. He bowled full to tempt Root into an aggressive stroke, and the batter obliged. As Root attempted the drive, the ball went on to hit the stumps.

The English fans in Perth were left stunned as the batting unit collapsed in the span of just two overs, crashing to 76 for 5.

Former England seamer Stuart Broad was stunned. As Matthew Hayden and Alison Mitchell spoke about the dismissal, Broad stayed quiet, hands resting on his head, clearly surprised at how sharply the momentum shifted.

Root’s campaign has begun on a tough note in a series hyped as one of the most eagerly awaited Ashes contests in years. Ahead of the tour, he was under intense scrutiny, with many commentators pointing out that despite his prolific Test record, he had yet to register a hundred on Australian soil.

An Australian newspaper even greeted him in Perth with a cheeky headline earlier this month: “Average Joe.”