Follow UsJoe Root has achieved so many things that he is now the second highest run-scorer in Tests after the legendary Sachin Tendulkar. He holds almost all batting records for England in Test cricket. But still one thing that haunts him is the chase for the elusive hundred in Australia.
The Ashes 2025-26 might offer him the last chance to do it and the 35-year-old is all ready to make this tour count. So far, having played 27 innings across 14 Tests with his debut coming way back in 2013-14.
In 27 innings, he has nine fifties and a high score of 89 with total runs amounting to 892 at an average of 35 with zero sixes in his kitty. However, between his last Test in Australia in 2021 to now, he has scored 1708 runs in 2021, 1098 in 2022, 787 in 2023 and 1556 in 2024 calendar year. In 2025, he already has 571 runs in 10 innings with a chance to increase it in the four out of five Ashes Tests that fall this year.
"I feel ready for it. Big series are the ones you want to play in and contribute to. I feel I am in a different place to when I last went out there. I haven't got the responsibility of captaincy, and I am a lot more experienced," Root was quoted as saying by Sky Sports, when asked about that century that has eluded him so far.
"I have had a good couple of years coming in, and I have learned good lessons from my previous tours there as a batter and senior player,” added the man with 39 Test tons to his name.
However, Root was firm in his belief that the team comes first and that they want to win the Ashes. "If I am doing my role in the team, then personal accolades will come, but it's not the main focus. It's about winning that urn back as it has been a long time since we held it,” he said.
Talking about the team, Root further asserted, "I feel we have some serious resources to take out there and hit Australia with. Hopefully, we can get that right, so if I am scoring heavily it gives us a chance."
The five-match series would begin with the first Test from November 21 in Perth.