Joe Root reflects on his Test century drought in Australia ahead of Ashes 2025-26

Joe Root, England’s modern-day batting great, has admitted that his failure to score a Test hundred in Australia remains one of his biggest career frustrations. Across three Ashes tours and 27 innings, Root has yet to reach the three-figure mark Down Under – a statistic that has followed him throughout his otherwise stellar Test career.

Speaking ahead of the much awaited Ashes 2025-26, Root shared that he feels “in a different place” both mentally and technically this time around. Since stepping down as England captain after the 2021–22 series, Root has found renewed focus and freedom in his batting.

Freedom after captaincy fuels confidence in Joe Root

Root explained that relinquishing leadership responsibilities has lifted a huge weight off his shoulders. “I feel I am in a different place to when I last went out there. I haven’t got the responsibility of captaincy and I am a lot more experienced,” the 34-year-old was quoted as saying to Sky Sports.

Root has scored over 4,000 Test runs and 16 centuries in the last two years, reinforcing his position as one of the most consistent batters in world cricket. With this form behind him, Root feels better equipped to tackle the fierce Australian pace attack and challenging conditions that have historically troubled him.

A veteran’s mindset: Root learns lessons from the past

Now a senior figure in England’s lineup, Root believes experience will play a crucial role in Australia. “I have had a good couple of years coming in and I have learned good lessons from my previous tours there as a batter and senior player,” he noted. Understanding the pitches, the crowd atmosphere, and the patience required – it’s all part of the challenge for Root.

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The right-handed batter stressed that while personal achievements like breaking the century drought matter, the ultimate goal is helping England reclaim the Ashes urn. “If I am doing my role in the team then personal accolades will come, but it’s not the main focus. It’s about winning that urn back as it has been a long time since we held it,” Root said with conviction.

With the first Test kicking off in Perth on November 21, 2025, Root appears determined and battle-hardened. His focus is to help England end their ten-year wait for an Ashes victory in Australia – and finally notch that elusive century on Australian soil.

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