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England’s modern-day great Joe Root has accomplished almost everything in Test cricket — from scoring centuries around the world to leading his team through high-pressure Ashes contests. Yet, one missing chapter remains in his otherwise flawless résumé — a Test century in Australia.
Root’s record in Australia underlines both his consistency and his frustration. The English stalwart has scored 892 runs in 27 innings at an average of 35.68 Down Under with nine half-centuries but no hundreds. His best score of 89 and three innings in the 80s show just how close he has come. Even during the 2021-22 Ashes, where England suffered a 4-0 defeat, Root emerged as their top run-scorer with 322 runs in five Tests at an average of 32.20, including three fifties.
As the Ashes 2025-26 begins on November 21, legendary Australian skipper Ricky Ponting has expressed strong belief that Root can finally overcome his mental barrier and achieve that long-awaited century in Australia.
Ricky Ponting elucidates why Joe Root can smash his maiden ton on Australian soil in Ashes 2025-26
Ponting suggested that Root’s inability to reach a hundred in Australia is no longer about technical flaws but rather a mental block that has persisted over time. The former Australian captain observed that Root’s batting is currently in a magnificent phase, and what he now needs is to conquer the psychological hurdle of past failures.
Ponting stated that Root’s form and rhythm make him well-positioned to finally succeed. His faith in Root’s ability reflects not just admiration for his technique but also recognition of his resilience. According to Ponting, the English batter’s recent calmness and confidence are indicators that he is mentally prepared to thrive in Australia this time.
“That’s what it is, a mental thing for him this series more than anything else. His game is magnificent at the moment. He’s got to get over that little mental hurdle and get 100. And I actually think he will get that 100 this time around,” Ponting said as quoted from ICC.
Also READ: Joe Root reflects on his Test century drought in Australia ahead of Ashes 2025-26
Ponting highlights Root’s technical evolution
Ponting pointed out that Root has improved significantly as a player since his previous visits to Australia. In earlier tours, he was often undone by the extra bounce and pace of Australian surfaces, which exposed minor flaws in his defensive technique. However, Ponting believes that Root has now rectified those weaknesses and is better equipped to handle Australian conditions.
The former Australian captain explained that Root has worked hard on adjusting his balance, back-foot play, and judgment outside off stump. This has allowed him to eliminate the type of dismissals that frequently occurred in previous Ashes tours.
“I think he’s better equipped now as a player than ever. Other times he’s come here to Australia, he’s had one or two little technical issues that on the extra bouncy wickets, the Australian fast bowlers have been able to exploit,” Ponting said.
A golden opportunity for Root in the upcoming Ashes
Australia will once again start the Ashes as favourites, given their unbeaten home record since 2011 and their retention of the urn since 2018. However, England’s drawn series in 2023 at home has given them renewed belief heading into this contest. For Root, this series represents far more than a chance to reclaim the Ashes — it is an opportunity for personal redemption and historical closure. A century in Australia would not only complete his cricketing journey but also silence years of doubts about his record Down Under.
