For a decade, it was the one glaring asterisk on an otherwise impeccable Test career. Joe Root, the world’s second-highest run-scorer in Test history, had never managed to convert his starts into a three-figure score on Australian soil. That all changed under the Gabba floodlights on the opening day of the second Ashes Test in 2025, in a performance that was as much about redemption as it was about runs.
Table of Contents
- The Long-Awaited Milestone: Joe Root Century in Australia
- A Day of Extremes: Starc’s Fury vs. Root’s Grace
- Breaking Down the Drought: Root vs. Australia
- Why This Innings Matters for England
- What’s Next for the Ashes Series?
- Conclusion
- Sources
The Long-Awaited Milestone: Joe Root Century in Australia
Walking to the crease in just the third over of the match, with the pink ball swinging menacingly under the Brisbane night sky, Joe Root faced immense pressure. England was already 2 for 2, reeling from a Mitchell Starc masterclass . The narrative was all too familiar. In 14 previous Tests in Australia, Root’s highest score was a painful 89, a testament to his skill but also his frustrating inability to cross the final frontier [[17], [19]].
On this day, however, the script flipped. Root played with a rare blend of patience and authority, leaving expertly outside off stump and punishing anything even slightly loose. He reached his historic hundred with a delicate leg glance off Scott Boland, a moment of pure cricketing poetry that sent a wave of relief and joy through the English camp .
A Day of Extremes: Starc’s Fury vs. Root’s Grace
The first day of the second Test was a breathtaking study in contrasts. On one hand, you had Mitchell Starc, the pink-ball maestro, at his devastating best. Starc ripped through England’s top order, claiming four wickets in his opening spell and finishing with a remarkable six-wicket haul (6 for 71), tormenting the batters with pace, swing, and bounce [[15], [14]]. Four England batters were dismissed for ducks, highlighting the sheer ferocity of his attack .
On the other hand, you had Root, the immovable object. While his teammates faltered, Root stood firm. He wasn’t just surviving; he was thriving. He built a crucial 89-run partnership with Harry Brook and then finished the day unbeaten on a magnificent 135 from 202 balls [[8], [7]]. His innings was the bedrock upon which England’s competitive total of 325 for 9 was built .
Breaking Down the Drought: Root vs. Australia
Before this innings, Root’s record in Australia was a curious paradox. He was England’s most reliable batter in Ashes contests, amassing over 3,000 runs in the series , yet Australia remained his personal bogey. His 892 runs in the country came at an average of just 35.68, well below his career norm .
Here’s a quick look at the numbers that defined his struggle:
- Tests in Australia before 2025: 14
- Highest Score: 89
- Centuries: 0
- Average: 35.68
This century wasn’t just another hundred; it was the conquest of his final frontier. With this knock, he became the 40th Test century of his illustrious career, further cementing his legacy as one of the game’s all-time greats [[20], [22]].
Why This Innings Matters for England
Root’s Joe Root century in Australia is more than a personal triumph. It provides a massive psychological boost for the entire England squad. After a heavy defeat in the first Test, this innings shows they can not only compete but post a formidable total against a potent Australian attack on their home turf.
It also shifts the momentum of the series. A draw or a win in Brisbane would level the series and set up an epic contest for the remaining matches. Root’s form is crucial for England’s chances, and his ability to deliver on the biggest stage under the most pressure is a huge positive sign. For more on England’s Ashes strategy, check out our deep dive into [INTERNAL_LINK:england-ashes-2025-strategy].
What’s Next for the Ashes Series?
With England finishing on 325 for 9, they have a solid platform. If their bowlers can find early breakthroughs against the formidable Australian batting lineup, they have a real chance to fight back in this series. The focus now shifts to how Australia responds on Day 2. Can they chase down the total or will they be bowled out cheaply in reply?
One thing is certain: the narrative has shifted. The story is no longer about Root’s failure in Australia, but about his resilience and ability to deliver when his team needed him most.
Conclusion
Joe Root’s first century in Australia is a landmark moment in modern cricket. It’s a story of perseverance, skill, and ultimate triumph over a long-standing personal challenge. On a day dominated by Mitchell Starc’s fiery spell, Root’s calm and composed 135 not out was the perfect counterpoint, keeping England firmly in the contest and giving their fans a moment to cherish. This innings will be remembered not just for its runs, but for the weight of history it finally lifted off Root’s shoulders.
Sources
- International Cricket Council (ICC) – Official Player Rankings
- Times of India: “Root’s first Test ton in Australia lifts England after Starc’s six-wicket blast”
- ESPN Cricinfo: Match report and scorecard for AUS vs ENG, 2nd Test, 2025.