After contributing a brisk 77 with the bat, Moeen Ali returned to pick the big wickets of Steve Smith and Michael Clarke.
Chris Rogers scored 95 and steered Australia in the second session before England came back in the game with 3 wickets.
After being dismissed for 430 in first innings, England reduced Australia to 264/5 at stumps on Day 2.
Here's how the micro-blogging site Twitter reacted to the elegant left-hander's solid innings.
Australia had some frustration in store in the opening session of Day 2 as they fail to wrap up home team quickly.
Australia lost regular wicket after dismissing England for 430 in the first innings to finish on 264/5 on Day 2.
Ashes 2015: Joe Root's fine 134, a seventh century in 28 Tests, helped England recover to 343-7.
From 43/3, England finish Day 1 of the 1st Ashes Test at 343/7, thanks to a memorable ton from Joe Root.
Ashes 2015: This is how the Twitter reacted to the latest achievement of Joe Root.
Australia will come out in the third session hoping to end the Root-Ballance stand.
Here are some of the most famous “sledges” that have been heard in their rivalry. Will the ongoing series add any to the list?
England rode on Joe Root's 134 to recover from top order failure and end with 343/7 on Day 1 against Australia.
Ashes 2015: Ahead of the much-awaited opener, the social media is getting behind their team.
Ashes 2015: David Warner is all set to take the Englishmen on in the five-match Test series.
Ashes 2015: Alastair Cook is happy to be less defensive tactically if it helps get the best out of Ben Stokes and Mark Wood.
Ashes 2015: We take a look at some of the upcoming contest’s interesting aspects.
Michael Clarke will lead Australia in the Ashes which gets underway in England on Wednesday.
Kevin Pietersen hit a cracking 158 at a strike rate of 84 to dash all Australian hopes in the 2005 Ashes.
Local bookmakers were with McGrath in sentiment if not the numbers, making Australia 2/5 favourites to win the series.
Kevin Pietersen was disturbed by something behind the bowler's arm but Mitchell Johnson was not pleased.