What a relief. After 12 years and 30 attempts, Joe Root has finally scored a Test century in Australia. The moment is tangible—almost touchable. Root’s achievement revitalizes England’s chances in this Ashes series, keeping them alive. And it brings relief that Matthew Hayden won’t be parading around the Melbourne Cricket Ground in his cowboy hat.
The first day of the second Test began with Hayden, son of Queensland, basking in the adulation of his home crowd. By the end, it was Root in the limelight—should that be floodlight?—delivering when his team and country needed him most.
What Root Century Means for England’s Ashes Hopes
The Gabba is often where England’s Ashes dreams end prematurely. At 5-2 and 211-6, England’s prospects looked grim, and defeat seemed inevitable. But Root stayed calm, delivering a moment that will endure, no matter the series result.
This day tested every emotion—despair, optimism, and the fear of facing Mitchell Starc, the new England bogeyman. There was a collective longing for Root, admired not just for his runs but for his leadership and decency. His century filled a gap that had long defined his career.
When Root reached 102, following a leg glance off Scott Boland, the crowd roared, and grown men leapt into each other’s arms. The joy echoed beyond the Gabba, perhaps even reaching Sheffield. Root simply shrugged.
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Root’s Journey Through Ashes Trials
Root’s landmark century now fills one of the few remaining gaps in his CV. But he’s always insisted personal milestones mean little without Ashes success. And yet, with every run Root scores, England edges closer to reclaiming the urn. His 135*, and counting, has given England a fighting chance at winning in Brisbane—a feat not achieved since 1986.
Since 2013, Root has witnessed 16 winless Ashes Tests. On his first tour, in 2013-14, he was dropped for the final match. Four years later, as captain, he endured a 4-0 series loss, even ending up in the hospital after batting in unbearable 43-degree heat.
That 2021-22 series was another painful 4-0 defeat, and Root had to watch as his team struggled under Covid restrictions.
The Ashes May Mark Root’s Final Australia Tour
This could be Root’s last Ashes trip to Australia. While England returns in 15 months for the 150th anniversary Test, Root will be nearing 39 years old when the urn is contested again.
Before Thursday’s thunderous performance in Brisbane, no visiting top-order batter had played as many as Root’s 29 innings without scoring a century in Australia. Australians demand success against their team to earn respect—and Root’s absence of an Australian ton had led to doubts about his status.
Root’s Century Quietly Defies Criticism
Former Yorkshire coach Darren Lehmann had even said Root would not be considered an “all-time great” until he scored a century in Australia. When Root arrived in Perth, the West Australian newspaper dubbed him “Average Joe” for his lack of Australian centuries.
Now, Lehmann, the West Australian, and even Kylie Minogue must recognize Root as an all-time great.
