England‘s modern great Joe Root has achieved almost everything in Test cricket – from scoring centuries around the world to leading his team through high-pressure Ashes matches. Yet there remains one missing chapter in his otherwise spotless CV – a Test century Australia.
Root’s record in Australia underlines both his consistency and his frustration. The England stalwart has scored 892 runs in 27 innings at an average of 35.68 Down Under with nine half-centuries but no hundreds. His best score of 89 and three innings in the 80s show how close he has come. Even during the 2021/22 Ashes, where England suffered a 4-0 defeat, Root emerged as their top scorer with 322 runs in five Tests at an average of 32.20, including three fifties.
Like the Ash 2025-26 starts on November 21, legendary Australian skipper Ricky Ponting has expressed strong belief that Root can finally overcome his mental barrier and achieve that long-awaited century in Australia.
Ricky Ponting explains why Joe Root can crush his first ton on Australian soil in Ashes 2025-26
Ponting suggested that Root’s inability to reach a hundred in Australia is no longer down to technical shortcomings, but rather a mental block that has persisted over time. The former Australian captain noted that Root’s batting is currently at a wonderful stage and he now has to overcome the psychological hurdle of past failures.
Ponting stated that Root’s form and rhythm make him well positioned to finally succeed. His confidence in Root’s ability reflects not only admiration for his technique, but also recognition of his resilience. According to Ponting, the England batsman’s recent composure and confidence are indications that he is mentally prepared to thrive in Australia this time.
“That’s it, a mental issue for him this series more than anything. His game is great at the moment. He has to get over that little mental hurdle and get to 100. And I actually think he’ll get to 100 this time,” Ponting said as quoted from ICC.
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Ponting emphasizes Root’s technical evolution
Ponting pointed out that Root has improved significantly as a player since his previous visits to Australia. In previous tours he was often undone by the extra bounce and pace of Australian surfaces, exposing minor flaws in his defensive technique. However, Ponting believes Root has now addressed these weaknesses and is better equipped to deal with Australian conditions.
The former Australian captain explained that Root has worked hard on adjusting his balance, backfoot play and judgment off stump. This allowed him to eliminate the kind of dismissals that were common on previous Ashes tours.
“I think he is now better equipped as a player than ever. Other times when he has come here to Australia he has had one or two minor technical problems that the Australian fast bowlers have been able to exploit on the extra bouncy wickets,” said Ponting.
A golden opportunity for Root in the upcoming Ashes
Australia will start the Ashes as favorites again given their unbeaten home record since 2011 and their retention of the urn since 2018. However, England’s 2023 draw at home has given them renewed confidence ahead of this match. For Root, this series represents much more than an opportunity to reclaim the Ashes; it is an opportunity for personal redemption and historical closure. A century in Australia would not only complete his cricketing journey but also silence years of doubts about his record Down Under.
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