- Root’s landmark 40th Test century breaks the chains of Ashes heartbreak
- England close Day 1 at 325 for 9, buoyed by veteran class
- A masterclass in patience, timing, and mental resilience under pressure
Joe Root’s long-awaited breakthrough in Australia came with an ironic shrug, but the weight of his journey, 12 years, 2,213 balls, and countless near-misses, was impossible to ignore. His 181st delivery of the innings, tucked neatly around the corner off Scott Boland, marked his first Ashes century at The Gabba, a venue steeped in history and personal challenge.
From his first Ashes tour in 2013 to the present, Root has endured highs and lows in Australia, often walking out to bat in crisis moments. On this day, he survived early strikes from Mitchell Starc, absorbed pressure during a 59-ball boundary-less spell, and patiently built partnerships that lifted England from 5 for 54 to a more respectable total.
The innings was a microcosm of Root’s career: calm under chaos, selfless for the team yet delivering when it mattered most. His second reverse scoop six off Boland and crisp drives punctuated an innings that absorbed both physical and mental pressure while guiding England through the perilous moments of the day.
Even amidst chaos, like the unfortunate run-out of Ben Stokes, Root’s composure shone. With a 61-run partnership alongside Jofra Archer, England turned a precarious position into a platform, closing Day 1 at 325 for 9, with hope alive in the Ashes series.
Root’s achievement is more than a personal milestone. It reinforces his legacy as England’s greatest batter, a player whose resilience and brilliance have consistently carried his team, especially in the most testing conditions down under. The century was not just runs on a board, it was vindication, relief, and inspiration rolled into one, a performance to remind the cricketing world why Joe Root remains central to England’s ambitions in Australia.
