England’s modern-day great Joe Root is ready for another big challenge — the upcoming Ashes series in Australia. The English batter has been one of the most consistent run-scorers in world cricket over the past decade, yet one record still haunts him — he has never scored a Test century in Australia. With the Ashes beginning next month, Root feels the time has come to change that. In his own words, “I feel ready for it.”
Root on scoring a Test ton in Australia has become a major talking point ahead of the Ashes. Despite playing 27 innings in Australia, the English star has never reached three figures. His highest score remains 89, achieved during the Brisbane Test in the 2021 Ashes. Root has hit nine fifties there but somehow has fallen short of the big milestone every time.
Now, the 34-year-old feels more prepared than ever to end that drought. “Big series are the ones you want to play in and contribute in,” Root said confidently. Root on scoring a Test ton in Australia will not only silence critics but also mark a new chapter in his already illustrious career.
Over the years, Root has transformed into one of the best Test batters in history. Since the last Ashes tour in 2021, he has scored runs in all conditions and against top-quality attacks. Root had a sensational 2021, amassing 1708 runs — the highest by any batter in the world that year. He followed that up with 1098 runs in 2022, 787 runs in 2023, and 1556 runs in 2024. This year, he already has 571 runs from 10 innings. With such form behind him, Root on scoring a Test ton in Australia looks more realistic than ever.
Root’s remarkable consistency has seen him climb to second place on the list of all-time highest run-scorers in Test cricket, surpassing legends like Rahul Dravid, Jacques Kallis, and Ricky Ponting. For Root, however, numbers are not everything. His focus remains on helping England win their first away Ashes series since 2011.
Root on Scoring a Test Ton in Australia – A Challenge He’s Ready to Conquer
Another reason why Root on scoring a Test ton in Australia feels achievable this time is his new role in the team. Root is no longer burdened by the responsibility of captaincy. Since Ben Stokes took over after the 2021 Ashes, Root has enjoyed the freedom to focus purely on his batting.
“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 said in an interview with Sky Sports. “I have had a good couple of years and have learned valuable lessons from my previous tours as a batter and a senior player.”
This relaxed mindset could be key to Root on scoring a Test ton in Australia. Free from leadership duties, Root can channel his energy entirely into batting — something that has already shown results in recent series. His elegant stroke play and ability to adapt to different pitches make him one of the toughest players for any bowling attack.
Root also expressed confidence in England’s aggressive approach under Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum. The “Bazball” style has brought new energy to the Test side, and Root believes this can help England break their long drought in Australia. “We have some serious resources to take out there and hit Australia with,” he said. “Hopefully, if I am scoring heavily, it gives us a real chance.”
As Root on scoring a Test ton in Australia continues to be one of the most anticipated moments in the upcoming Ashes, he insists that personal records are not his main focus. “If I am doing my role in the team, then personal accolades will come,” he said. “It’s about winning that urn back — it’s been a long time since we held it.”
Root’s maturity and experience make him one of the most reliable batters for England. Having already conquered nearly every other challenge in Test cricket, Root on scoring a Test ton in Australia feels like the last missing piece in his extraordinary career.
The first Test of the five-match Ashes series begins on November 21 in Perth, and all eyes will be on Root. Fans, experts, and teammates alike are waiting to see Root on scoring a Test ton in Australia, a moment that could define his legacy even further.
Over the past few years, Root has proven time and again that he thrives under pressure. His ability to build innings with patience and precision is unmatched. Now, with his form, mindset, and freedom all aligned, Root on scoring a Test ton in Australia might finally become a reality.
If he does it, it won’t just be about personal satisfaction — it will inspire the entire England squad and send a powerful message that the team is truly ready to reclaim the Ashes. For Root, this is more than just about runs; it’s about finishing what he started years ago.
As the countdown to the Ashes begins, one thing is certain — Root on scoring a Test ton in Australia is not just a goal; it’s a mission he seems truly “ready for.”
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