WATCH: Joe Root pulls off one-handed stunner at slips to remove Marnus Labuschagne on Day 2 of final Ashes Test 

Final Ashes Test 2023 (Source: Twitter)

Joe Root pulled off a stunner on Day 2 of the fifth and final Ashes Test on Friday, July 28, to give England a breakthrough from a tiring partnership between Marnus Labuschagne and Usman Khawaja. England were desperate for a wicket when the Aussie duo tried to settle down and gain a first-innings lead at The Oval.

Resuming at an overnight score of 61-1, Khawaja and Labuschagne frustrated the English bowlers with sluggish innings. However, Mark Wood drew the first blood of the day on the fifth ball of the 43rd over, dismissing Labuschagne, who was striking at less than 11. Wood forced the right-hander to edge the ball that came between the first slip and the wicketkeeper.

As soon as Labuschagne nicked the ball, the England players screamed "catch". There was a bit of confusion between the fielder at first slip and the wicketkeeper as to whose catch it was. However, Bairstow did not make a move from him his position and did not interrupt Root in taking the catch.

The former England captain was late to react as he might have initially thought Bairstow will go for it. In a display of amazing reflex action, Root dived to his left and grabbed a one-handed catch when the ball had crossed his body. Labuschagne walked back in disbelief while Root was surrounded by his teammates after his brilliance.

Watch the video below: 

WHAT A CATCH BY ROOT 🔥pic.twitter.com/4dFi3IE857

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) July 28, 2023

Australia trail by 168 at lunch on Day 2

Australia trailed by 168 runs at lunch on Day 2 after scoring 115-2. Chris Woakes dismissed David Warner on the first day for 24 off 52 balls. Khawaja is looking solid at the crease with 47 from 152 balls, while Steve Smith has just entered and is unbeaten on 13 off 20 balls.

Earlier in the first innings, Mitchell Stack wreaked havoc with four wickets as Australia restricted England to 283 runs. Harry Brook scored 85 runs off 91 balls while Ben Duckett was the second top scorer for the hosts with 41 runs at a strike rate of 100.

The Oval Test is crucial for England to level the series after the third Test ended in a draw due to rain playing spoilsport. On the other hand, Australia are aiming to clinch the series as they have already retained the Ashes by winning the first two matches.