Even before the Ashes 2025-26 got underway, there was a lot of chatter around Joe Root‘s struggles in Australia, and how he had never managed to get a ton Down Under. While there were a lot of believers, that that record could change, there were a few who did not have enough trust in his abilities.
Unthinkable Achieved in Gabba, 2nd Ashes Test
Nonetheless, Joe Root did score his maiden Ashes ton in Australia, as he raised his bat in front on the Gabba crowd, on the first day of the 2nd Test. Apart from being his first in the country, this also happens to be his 40th in Tests, and 59th overall. In addition to that, this is his fourth in 2025, which just goes on to show, the kind of year he has had.
In fact, he has been on a ton-scoring spree since 2021, where he ended up scoring 6, 5, 2, 6, and 4 centuries, respectively. Now, he is only behind Ricky Ponting (41), Jacques Kallis (45) and Sachin Tendulkar (51). His previous best Down Under was 89, in 2021 at Brisbane.
Joe Root Record in All Nations
| Nation | Runs | Avg | 100s | 50s |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| England | 7329 | 55 | 24 | 33 |
| Australia | 1006* | 37 | 1 | 9 |
| South Africa | 703 | 50 | 1 | 6 |
| India | 1272 | 45 | 3 | 6 |
| New Zealand | 1006 | 50 | 3 | 5 |
Even though he did not have a ton here before this innings, he still averaged 35 with 9 fifties to his name and close to 900 runs in 15 matches. Otherwise, vs Australia in England, the batter had four centuries to his name already. Coming to his record in other nations, he has enjoyed great success in India scoring three centuries, as many in New Zealand, also three in Sri Lanka.
