Ashes 2019: List of records scripted by centurion Rory Burns
England opening batsman Rory Burns smashed his maiden Test and Ashes century on Day 2 of the first Test at Edgbaston. The talented batsman remained unbeaten on 125 to give England an edge over the Aussies. The 28-year-old is playing just his eighth Test match for England and made his Ashes debut. Here we look at records scripted by Burns.
Burns delivers under pressure
Edgbaston Test: How did Day 2 pan out?
After bowling Australia out for 284, England ended Day 2 on 267/4. They are closing in on Australia's first innings total. Credit to Burns, who showed a lot of character to bat the entire day. He added a second-wicket stand of 132 with Joe Root (57) and then an unbeaten 73-run partnership with Ben Stokes (38*). Burns labored his way through a 282-ball inning.
After facing flak, Burns delivers at the big stage
Ahead of this Test match, Burns averaged a paltry 22.28 in seven matches. He also failed against Ireland last week after notching a pair of sixes. His place in the England line-up was questioned. Burns finally broke the shackles and showed his worth. It wasn't an easy outing. He spent 34 minutes in the nineties. He also took 10 balls from 99 to hundred.
Burns on his maiden Test century
"It is something I have dreamt of. I was on 99 for a while - to get over the line is awesome. I was calm throughout it. I was waiting for a ball to come into my area," said Burns to BBC.
Rory scripts a fabulous tale
Some fascinating records scripted by Burns
Burns became the first England opener (excluding Alastair Cook) to score a Test century on home soil since May 2015. Burns also became the first English centurion in the first Test of a home Ashes since Graham Gooch in 1993. The left-handed Burns also recorded the fifth century by an England opener in their last 100 Test innings.
Burns shows that simplicity wins in Test cricket
England's top order was always the focus after a string of below-par performances and many faces being tried. Burns needs to be lauded for his patience, watchfulness and the ability to negotiate the turn. He mastered the traditional form of batting and showed things can be achieved with simplicity. The job isn't done yet and England will want Burns to get a big score.
