Steve Smith Lauds Joe Root Ahead of Upcoming Ashes Series

As the Ashes series approaches, Steve Smith has praised Joe Root for his outstanding performance in Test cricket. Root, who has yet to score a century in Australia, is determined to change that. With impressive statistics and a strong desire to evolve his game, Root's upcoming matches will be crucial for both his personal goals and England's chances in the ICC World Test Championship. This article delves into Smith's insights on Root's abilities and the significance of the upcoming series.

By Narendra Chaudhary Aug 15, 2025, 19:42 IST

Praise for Joe Root from Steve Smith

Steve Smith, the prominent Australian batter, has expressed admiration for England's Joe Root, highlighting his remarkable performance in Test cricket over the past two years. Smith described Root as 'incredible' during this period.

In the recently concluded five-match Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy 2025, Root emerged as the fifth-highest run-scorer, accumulating 537 runs across 10 innings, contributing to a series that ended in a 2-2 tie.

Root's Impressive Test Career

Throughout his 158 Test matches, the 34-year-old Root has amassed 13,543 runs, including 39 centuries. Despite his impressive statistics, Root remains focused on enhancing his game. He is currently second on the all-time list for Test runs, just behind the legendary Sachin Tendulkar, but he is not solely motivated by the prospect of surpassing that record.

Smith's Insights on Root's Performance

In an interview with Sky Sports, Smith commented on Root's ability to convert fifties into hundreds, stating, 'His capacity to score big has improved significantly. He used to struggle in that transition from 50 to 100, but now he capitalizes on those opportunities.'

Root's next challenge will be the Ashes series against Australia, commencing on November 21. He has yet to score a century in Australia, which adds pressure to perform exceptionally well.

Root's Record in Australia

Despite not having a century in Australia, Root has a respectable record there, with 892 runs in 14 Tests at an average exceeding 35, including nine half-centuries and a top score of 89.

Discussing Root's aspirations, Smith noted, 'It's been a topic of conversation that he hasn't scored a hundred in Australia. I'm sure it's something he wants to achieve.' He added that batting conditions could be challenging, especially for top-order players.

Joe Root's Ashes Statistics

In the all-time Ashes rankings, Root stands as the 17th highest run-scorer, with 2,428 runs from 34 Tests at an average of 40.46, which includes four centuries and 18 fifties. His highest score in the Ashes is 180.

During the last Ashes series held at home in 2023, Root scored 412 runs at an average of 51.50, featuring one century and two half-centuries, making him the third-highest run-scorer of the series, which concluded in a draw.

The upcoming five-match tour to Australia is vital for England's chances in the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) final, especially following their recent 2-2 draw against India. England aims to reclaim the Ashes in Australia for the first time since 2011 and their first overall since 2015.