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England could be fined by the International Cricket Council (ICC) after Joe Root stepped up to revive their Ashes hopes on day one of the second Test. It looked like it would be another long day when Australia claimed two wickets inside the opening three overs at The Gabba. Root, however, was able to perform under pressure and steady the ship for the tourists with an incredible knock.

He finally secured his maiden Test century in Australia with a score of 135 as England finished the day on 325-9, with the hosts failing to bowl them out. There were huge celebrations in the stands when Root moved up to three figures and England will be relatively pleased with their overall display. However, there may be a fine coming for both teams due to the low number of overs played.

Only 74 overs were bowled on day one, which is likely to result in a financial punishment from the ICC. In a five-day Test, a total of 90 overs are scheduled for each day and teams can be punished for failing to bowl 15 overs in an hour.

In the summer, England were fined and docked two points in the World Test Championship for their slow over rate against India. Just 72.3 overs were bowled on the second day, resulting in 15 overs being lost altogether.

The hosts were also deducted 10 per cent of their match fee. Match referee Richie Richardson ruled that England, even with time allowances taken into account, were two overs short of the target.

It remains to be seen if England and Australia will be punished for slow play after Thursday's contest in Brisbane, which offered renewed hope of a rare victory at the so-called 'Gabbatoir'.

Speaking on TNT Sports after the close of play, Zak Crawley said: "A great start by them [Australia]. A couple of really good balls and a bit unlucky for [Ollie] Pope, but that was me last week, so I know how it feels.

"That is the nature of the beast at the top of the order. I was pleased with how I played, I wanted more, and I was gutted to get out. Standing here now, I am happy with 76 and I feel we're in a good position.

"The chat was to go hard and if we got out we could have had half an hour with them. They [Root and Jofra Archer] got some crucial runs. A phenomenal effort and it puts us in a good position tomorrow. Sitting here as an England player, I think it is our day."

Australia player Alex Carey added: "A bit up and down, really. We started well with the ball, saw a good partnership form with Crawley and Root.

"Got back into them after the break, that late partnership was crucial for them. Could've been worse, could've been better. I thought Joe played an outstanding innings and I know it means a lot to him to get that on Australian soil."