Joe Root Powerful Push to End Joe Root Australia Century

Joe Root, widely regarded as one of the greatest batsmen of the modern cricket era, enters the upcoming Ashes series in Australia with a remarkable record: 39 Test centuries, 13,543 Test runs, and the title of world’s No.1 ranked Test batsman. Yet, despite his extraordinary achievements, Root is still chasing one milestone that continues to elude him — a Test century in Australia. For a player of his class and consistency, this missing achievement has become one of the most talked-about topics ahead of the Ashes.

Joe Root Australia Century

Only Sachin Tendulkar stands above Root in the all-time Test runs list, and his 15,921-run tally now appears within reach for the 34-year-old Englishman. But as England prepare to battle Australia once again, attention has turned toward the one glaring gap in Root’s stellar résumé.

Root’s Australian Record: Strong but Missing a Landmark

Root has played 14 Tests in Australia, scoring 892 runs at an average of 35.68 — respectable numbers, especially given the difficulty of batting conditions Down Under. While he has struck many half-centuries, the elusive three-figure mark has remained just out of reach.

To many fans and analysts, this statistic is surprising more than concerning. Root has consistently performed in tough conditions, played long innings, and anchored England’s batting lineup. For those who admire his craft, failing to score a century in Australia does not diminish his greatness.

But for others — especially former players and commentators — a century in Australia is essential for cementing his all-time great status.

Critics Say: Root Needs a Ton Down Under to Be Immortal

Former Australian coach Darren Lehmann, who oversaw Australia’s iconic 5–0 Ashes sweep in 2013-14, believes Root must get a century in Australia to be considered alongside giants like Virat Kohli, Steve Smith, and Kane Williamson.

Similarly, former England pacer Darren Gough has said that if Root “wants to be truly regarded as a world great,” he must convert his starts into a ton on Australian soil. These opinions have added more pressure — and more hype — as the Ashes draws closer.

Supporters Say: Debate Is Overblown and Root Has Not Failed

In contrast, Australian legend Ian Chappell dismisses the criticism as exaggerated. He argues that Root’s average in Australia proves he hasn’t failed; he simply hasn’t crossed the hundred mark.

“He’s made decent scores — he just hasn’t got a hundred,” Chappell said, pointing out that Root’s ability to survive, adapt, and score consistently is itself a mark of excellence. For Chappell, a single century does not define an all-time great — the body of work does.

Why the Century Has Been So Hard to Get: Technical + Conditions

1. Root’s Scoring Style Is Risky on Australian Pitches

Root is known for scoring heavily behind square on the off side, particularly with his elegant late glide through third man — a shot that works beautifully in England. But in Australia, where pitches are harder, bouncier, and faster, this shot becomes dangerous.

Former England captain Michael Vaughan explains that extra bounce makes the glide riskier, especially early in Root’s innings. The same strength that brings him runs at home can become a trap Down Under.

2. Facing the World’s Best Pace Attacks

Root has toured Australia during eras dominated by legendary fast bowlers. In 2013–14, Mitchell Johnson produced one of the most destructive bowling campaigns in Ashes history, intimidating England’s entire lineup.

Later tours weren’t any easier, as Root had to face the relentless trio of:

• Pat Cummins

• Josh Hazlewood

• Mitchell Starc

Even when Hazlewood was injured during the 2021–22 Ashes, Scott Boland stepped in and dismissed Root four times in just three Tests.

In short, Root hasn’t been failing — he’s been facing some of the best fast bowlers of this generation in their own conditions.

3. England’s Team Struggles in Australia Have Added Pressure

England’s overall record in Australia has been poor. Since their historic 2010–11 series win, England have played 15 Tests, losing 13 and drawing 2. Such heavy defeats create constant pressure, forcing Root into difficult match situations where the team collapses around him.

Even when Root looks in control, England’s match position often leaves him fighting alone, making the path to a century tougher.

A New Root Under the McCullum–Stokes Era

One major shift that gives England fans hope is Root’s transformation since giving up the captaincy. Under the aggressive, fearless Bazball approach brought by coach Brendon McCullum and captain Ben Stokes, Root looks more free, confident, and expressive at the crease.

Since 2022, he has scored 14 Test centuries, showing that the weight of leadership was silently holding him back.

Root himself admitted that earlier he wanted a century in Australia “too much,” which affected his mental clarity. Now, however, he focuses less on technical perfection and more on mental readiness — a shift that has led to incredible consistency.

Experts Believe He Will Finally Break the Drought

Former England fast bowler Steve Harmison firmly believes that Root is ready to deliver this time.

“The trajectory of the way he’s been playing means you expect him to rock up and get a couple of hundreds,” Harmison told TalkSport.

He adds that in big series, great players rise — and Root is undoubtedly one of the greatest of his generation.

Conclusion

Joe Root has already achieved what many cricketers can only dream of: longevity, consistency, match-winning innings, and global respect. Whether he scores a century in Australia or not, his greatness is already assured.

However, this Ashes series may be Root’s best opportunity to end his Australia century drought, silence critics, and add the final missing chapter to an extraordinary career.

And if his current form is any indicator, Root might not just get one century — he may get several.