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Root breaks drought with historic ton in Brisbane
England's Joe Root ended a decade-long wait on Thursday, scoring his first Test century in Australia after 30 innings and 4,395 days of frustration. The 34-year-old reached the milestone late in the evening session, steering England to 325-9 by stumps and shifting momentum in the Ashes series.
Pressure performance defies skeptics
Root entered the crease with England reeling at 5-2 in the third over, facing immediate pressure. Dropped on two, he watched wickets fall at the other end but dug in, eventually flicking a delivery to fine leg to bring up his 40th Test century. His measured celebration-a helmet removal and a shrug-belied the significance of the achievement.
"It is a brilliant innings and just what England needed. He's been superb under pressure as always. He is England's best batsman ever."
Sir Alastair Cook, former England captain
A record marred by doubt
Before this innings, Root had amassed nine half-centuries and 900 runs in Australia, yet his average of 33.33 was his lowest in any country where he had batted more than twice. Local media dubbed him "Average Joe," while former Australia coach Darren Lehmann questioned whether Root could be considered an all-time great without a century on Australian soil.
His ton moves him within one of Ricky Ponting's record for the third-most Test centuries. More importantly, it quashes debates about his legacy. Former England captain Michael Vaughan called the innings "remarkable," noting Root's ability to deliver under pressure.
Tactical mastery and near misses
Root's innings was a study in resilience. He survived two lbw reviews-on 62 and 73-both against Scott Boland, and was nearly caught behind on two when squared up by Mitchell Starc. A diving Steve Smith at second slip spilled a sharp chance, sparing Root further scrutiny.
His approach adapted to conditions. Early on, he limited scoring behind square on the off side, a departure from his usual style. Between the 41st and 50th overs, he scored just seven runs off 27 balls as floodlights took effect. Later, he adjusted by advancing down the pitch to counter the pink ball's movement, averaging an interception point of 1.87m from the stumps-his highest in Australia.
Reactions and what's next
Former Australia opener Matthew Hayden, who had jokingly vowed to walk naked around the Melbourne Cricket Ground if Root failed to score a century this series, celebrated the breakthrough.
"Congratulations on a hundred here in Australia, mate. Took you a while, but you little ripper, enjoy it."
Matthew Hayden
Legendary bowler Glenn McGrath hailed the innings as proof of Root's greatness, while Vaughan predicted Root would surpass Sachin Tendulkar's Test run record by 2027 if he stays fit. Root himself has downplayed personal milestones, emphasizing team success, but this century leaves only one major target: the all-time run-scoring record.
