England’s most dependable modern-day batter once again delivered on the grandest stage. his name deeper into Test cricket history with a composed and authoritative century during the final Ashes Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground.
Root’s innings was a study in patience and control, reinforcing why he remains central to England’s red-ball ambitions. His knock not only shaped the match but also elevated him into an exclusive group of all-time greats.
A Century Built on Control and Endurance
Batting in demanding conditions against an experienced Australian attack, Root produced a technically assured innings that anchored England’s first innings. He reached his hundred with minimal risk, rotating the strike efficiently and punishing loose deliveries.
The right-hander eventually scored 160 runs from 242 balls, an innings defined by sound judgment outside off stump and unflinching concentration through long sessions.
| Joe Root – First Innings Performance | |
|---|---|
| Runs | 160 |
| Balls Faced | 242 |
| Fours | 15 |
| Sixes | 0 |
| Dismissal | Caught and Bowled |
England’s First Innings: A Position of Strength
England capitalised on Root’s solidity to post a commanding total. Contributions throughout the order ensured momentum was maintained even when wickets fell at the other end.
| England – First Innings Summary | |
|---|---|
| Total | 384 all out |
| Overs | 97.3 |
| Top Scorer | Joe Root (160) |
| Notable Support | Harry Brook, Jamie Smith |
Joining Ricky Ponting in the Record Books
Root’s century was his 41st in Test cricket, drawing him level with Australian great Ricky Ponting on the list of most Test hundreds. The milestone underlined the remarkable consistency Root has maintained across conditions and continents.
Only two batters now sit ahead of him in this elite list, placing Root firmly among the most prolific run-scorers the format has seen.
| Player | Test Centuries | Matches | Runs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sachin Tendulkar | 51 | 200 | 15,921 |
| Jacques Kallis | 45 | 166 | 13,289 |
| Ricky Ponting | 41 | 168 | 13,378 |
| Joe Root | 41 | 162 | 13,921* |
Consistency Across Eras
What sets Root apart is not just the volume of centuries, but the periods in which they have arrived. Since 2021, he has accumulated more Test hundreds than any other batter, adapting his game to changing bowling strategies and evolving match tempos.
His record in Australia, traditionally the most demanding environment for visiting batters, further strengthens his standing among the modern greats.
Closing in on Another Landmark
With nearly 14,000 Test runs to his name, Root is steadily approaching yet another historic milestone. His average remains above 50, a testament to sustained excellence rather than brief peaks.
As England look to build a new chapter in Test cricket, Root’s presence continues to offer stability, assurance, and a benchmark for those who follow.
