Joe Root Celebrates First Test Century in Australia During Ashes Series

In a historic moment for English cricket, Joe Root has finally scored his first Test century on Australian soil during the ongoing Ashes series. After 13 years since his debut, Root reached this milestone in a pink-ball Test at the Brisbane Cricket Ground, finishing with an impressive 135 not out. This achievement not only adds to his tally of 40 Test centuries but also brings him closer to becoming one of the highest century-makers in Test history. Discover more about Root's journey and the match details in this exciting article.

By Narendra Chaudhary Dec 5, 2025, 02:16 IST

Historic Achievement for Joe Root

Brisbane, Australia - On November 4, England's star batsman Joe Root finally marked his first Test century on Australian soil, achieving this milestone during the pink-ball Test against Australia, which is the second match of the five-match Ashes series.

After 13 years since his Test debut, Root reached the coveted three-figure score at the Brisbane Cricket Ground, hitting 135 not out off 202 balls, which included 15 fours and a six, at a strike rate exceeding 66. Following his century, he showcased his skills with an impressive reverse ramp shot.

https://x.com/cricketcomau/status/1996531064706126166

This century marks Root's 40th in Test cricket, bringing him closer to Australian great Ricky Ponting, who has 41 centuries. Root is now just two centuries shy of becoming the third-highest century-maker in Test history, trailing behind South African legend Jacques Kallis (45) and Indian maestro Sachin Tendulkar (51).

Entering the Ashes series after a stellar performance in the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy against India, where he amassed 537 runs in nine innings at an average of 67.12, Root had already secured three centuries and a fifty. Despite having scored centuries in various major Test venues worldwide, a century in Australia was the missing piece in his illustrious career, which continues to grow as he stands as the second-highest run-scorer in Test cricket with over 13,000 runs, aiming to surpass Tendulkar's all-time record of 15,921 runs and 51 centuries in 200 Tests.

In the first low-scoring Ashes Test at Perth's Optus Stadium, Root faced challenges, scoring 0 and 8. However, in his 16th Test and 30th innings in Australia, he finally achieved his long-awaited milestone during this pink-ball, day-night Test.

In his Australian Test career, Root has accumulated 1,035 runs at an average of 38.33, including one century and nine fifties across 16 Tests and 30 innings. Overall, he has scored 13,686 runs at an average of 51.45, with 40 centuries and 66 fifties, boasting a highest score of 262 after 160 Tests and 291 innings.

In the match, England won the toss and chose to bat first. After Mitchell Starc's impressive bowling reduced England to 5/2, dismissing both Ben Duckett and Ollie Pope for ducks, Root formed a crucial 117-run partnership with Zak Crawley, who scored 76 off 93 balls. Another significant partnership with Harry Brook (31 off 33 balls) followed.

Australia made some breakthroughs, including a notable run-out by Josh Inglis to dismiss England captain Ben Stokes (19), leaving England at 264/9. Starc completed his sixth five-wicket haul in pink-ball Tests. However, Root's aggressive batting alongside Jofra Archer (32 not out off 26 balls) helped England finish day one at 325/9 after 74 overs.