AUS vs ENG: Joe Root has finally ticked off one of the biggest unchecked boxes of his stunning Test career. The England superstar brought up his first-ever Test century on Australian soil during the day-night Ashes Test at the Gabba, ending a long-standing narrative that had followed him across multiple tours Down Under.
For a man with over 13,000 Test runs, second only to Sachin Tendulkar, this was the one milestone that had stubbornly eluded him. Coming into the series, there was genuine anticipation around whether Root could finally conquer the conditions that had repeatedly challenged him. And he delivered in style.
England in Trouble, Root in Control
Walking in at 5-2 after Mitchell Starc tore through England’s top order, Root had a mountain to climb. But this is exactly the sort of chaos he thrives in. He steadied the ship with Zak Crawley, stitching together a crucial stand that dragged England out of immediate danger.
Even after Crawley’s departure, Root kept going – first adding 50 with Harry Brook and then rebuilding again when wickets tumbled around him. Will Jacks eventually joined him, offering the support Root needed as he inched towards the landmark that had haunted him for years.
A Milestone Worth the Wait
Root brought up his century off 181 balls, reaching his fifty in just 83. When that moment finally arrived, his celebration was classic Root-helmet off, a quiet kiss to the badge, and a double raise of the bat. It was understated, emotional, and deeply symbolic. This was his 40th Test hundred and his first in 30 innings in Australia.
Matthew Hayden Breathes a Sigh of Relief
The knock also saved Australia legend Matthew Hayden from a hilarious self-imposed challenge. Before the series, Hayden had vowed: “I’ll walk nude around the MCG if he doesn’t get a hundred this summer.”
After Root finally made him safe, Hayden responded with a cheeky message on England’s official X handle:
“G’day Joe, congratulations mate on 100 here in Australia. Took you a while, and there was no one that had more skin in the game than me, literally… You little ripper mate, enjoy it.”
MESSAGE FROM MATTHEW HAYDEN – THIS IS GOLD…!!! 😂👌 pic.twitter.com/SsOeeTprqs
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) December 4, 2025
A Century with Historic Weight
Root’s Gabba hundred isn’t just a personal milestone—it’s a statement. Critics have long questioned his record in Australia, and this knock goes a long way in addressing that. It also provides a timely boost to England supporters, who know how rare it is for visiting players to thrive in these conditions.
With this ton, Root edges closer to a monumental record: he’s now just 11 centuries away from matching Sachin Tendulkar’s all-time Test hundred tally. And speaking of this decade, he’s miles ahead—leading with 23 centuries. Kane Williamson follows with 12, while Harry Brook, Shubman Gill, and Steve Smith sit at 10 each. Ollie Pope has 9, and the likes of Travis Head, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, and Nic Maddinson are on 8.
A Chapter Closed, a Legacy Strengthened
For years, Root’s achievements in Australia were the lone footnote in an otherwise glowing résumé. Now that gap has been filled and in the most pressure-packed environment possible. He didn’t just score a hundred. He scored the hundred he’d been chasing throughout his career and with many more years of cricket ahead, this might just be the beginning of a new chapter in his Ashes story.
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