Follow Us13,543 runs, 39 centuries, Joe Root is a certified all-timer in Test cricket.
But if you had to scrutinise him, there’s one thing that Root has struggled with immensely - performing in Australia. Despite the truckload of runs, Root has barely managed to be himself, with just 892 runs in Australia, where he doesn’t have a single century, the only country apart from Bangladesh where he has not crossed three figures yet.
However, after a blockbuster series at home against India (537 runs @56.88), Root vows to turn his form around in Australia, sending a warning to Pat Cummins and co.
"Having played in Australia a couple of times before, now going with 150-odd Test caps under my belt, I feel I couldn't be more ready for it," Root said, as reported by ICC Cricket.
"The thing that stands out for me is I probably wanted it (a century) way too much the last couple of times. It took me away from what was important."
Last time around, England were no match for Australia, when they were blown away with the scoreline reading 0-4, as Root couldn’t make any impact. Looking back at that series, Root spoke about the reasons behind his poor run in Australia.
"There were a lot of distractions," Root said of the last two Ashes series in Australia.
"I was captain, Covid [in 2021-22], there was the [Ben] Stokes incident the time before that, the Jonny [Bairstow] headbutt incident as well.
"This time, I want to just go and enjoy the tour for what it is. It is a beautiful country, it is a great place to go and play cricket. I know if I put my best performances in, then everything else will look after itself."
The first of the five Tests in the Ashes begins on November 21 (Friday) in Perth.