Joe Root finally ended one of the most talked-about droughts in modern Test cricket — a century on Australian soil. In the fiery rivalry of England vs Australia, few accomplishments carry more emotional weight, pressure, and history than this one. After more than 12 years, multiple Ashes tours, and countless near misses, Root reached his long-awaited milestone with a calm glance off Scott Boland that rolled toward fine leg. The shot looked simple, yet it symbolised years of expectation, frustration, and resilience.
A Long Journey from 2013 to Today
When Root first walked out in Australia during the 2013 Ashes, he was young, confident, and labelled the future of English cricket. People admired his technique and predicted a legendary career. Although he fulfilled most expectations, one question followed him season after season: “When will he score a hundred in Australia?”
Tour after tour, he performed brilliantly in other countries, but Australia remained the one place that refused him a three-figure score. The pressure grew heavier, the narrative grew louder, and the wait stretched painfully long.
HE’S FINALLY DONE IT!
Joe Root has his first #Ashes century in Australia.
Live blog: https://t.co/2htO3lMX8d pic.twitter.com/9uZ26zQnPp
— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) December 4, 2025
A Celebration Filled with Relief, Not Flash
When Root finally reached the milestone, he didn’t scream or punch the air. Instead, he offered a relaxed shrug — almost playful — as if saying, “What was everyone worrying about?” The moment wasn’t just his; it belonged to every English fan who waited through heartbreak and close calls.
Ben Stokes Felt the Emotion More Than Anyone
Ben Stokes understood the weight of the moment like no one else. As Root’s boundary rolled toward the rope, Stokes shouted, “Go ball!” and quietly fought back tears. Their journeys have been emotional and intertwined: painful tours, dramatic collapses, bio-bubble cricket, and leadership transitions. Stokes even returned early from a mental health break in the 2021-22 Ashes so Root wouldn’t face the challenge alone again.
Their bond turned the celebration into something deeper than just a statistic — it felt like redemption.
#MitchellStarc bags his fifth wicket but what a take from Alex Carey, sprinting back, diving full stretch and holding on under pressure! 🤯💪
Even Marnus couldn’t believe it! #AUSvENG | THE ASHES | 2nd Test, Day 1 | LIVE NOW 👉🏻 https://t.co/w23M3vjJal pic.twitter.com/h09gZuO1Cz— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) December 4, 2025
A Test of Class Under Pressure
Root didn’t walk in under comfort. England were 5 for 2, and Mitchell Starc bowled with fire. Root had to survive edges, movement, and suffocating pressure. Eventually, Zak Crawley joined him and played freely, scoring 71 to shift momentum. That partnership allowed Root to reset, build patiently, and regain balance.
As the pink ball conditions intensified under lights, Root adjusted again — leaving more deliveries, rotating strike intelligently, and punishing anything loose.
Freedom After the Milestone
Once Root crossed 100, his batting shifted from careful survival to joyful expression. His reverse scoop for six showed confidence, freedom, and relief. It was the moment Root stopped fighting the narrative — and started enjoying the innings.
A Turning Point in the Ashes Battle
This century means more than just personal achievement. It boosts belief, strengthens England’s mindset, and rewrites the narrative of the current England vs Australia series. Root’s legacy didn’t just survive — it grew stronger.
