Australia's Root intends to utilize his expertise in an attempt to break the extended winning drought in the traditional Ashes series.
Joe Root, the second-highest run-scorer in Test cricket with 13,543 runs, is gearing up for the highly anticipated 2024/25 Ashes series Down Under. The England captain is determined to fill a notable gap in his record – a Test century in Australia, a feat he has yet to achieve in his 158 Test matches [1].
Root's career achievements are impressive, boasting 38 Test centuries and averaging above 51. However, Australia has proven to be a challenging ground for the English batsman, who has scored nine half-centuries but remains without a century [1].
Since the Covid break in 2020, Root has undergone a significant technical and mental refinement. He has analysed his dismissals and improved weaknesses against spin and short-pitched bowling, which has contributed to a rich run of centuries and high averages abroad, including successful tours in subcontinental conditions [4]. This introspective and data-driven approach suggests he is well-prepared mentally and technically for the challenging Australian conditions.
England last won a Test series in Australia in 2010-11, and the Aussies have dominated the last two Ashes series, winning 4-0 in 2017-18 and 2021-22, and drawing the 2023 series 2-2 to retain the urn [2].
Root has expressed his intention to enjoy the upcoming Ashes tour without distractions, having faced several in the last two series, including COVID, the Ben Stokes incident, and the Jonny Bairstow headbutt incident [5].
This year's Ashes will include a day-night match in Brisbane, the third test in Adelaide, and traditional tests in Melbourne and Sydney in December and January. The series kicks off in Perth on November 21 [3].
Sachin Tendulkar remains the highest run-scorer in Test cricket, with 15,921 runs, but Root's determination to conquer Australia is evident. He has acknowledged that in the past, he may have wanted a Test century too much in Australia, which may have affected his performance [6].
As the Ashes series approaches, cricket enthusiasts worldwide eagerly await Root's performance on Australian soil, hoping to witness the missing piece in the English batsman's Test career.
Joe Root's focus on overcoming his Test century drought in Australia is evident, as he aims to improve his record and contend with Sachin Tendulkar's top spot in Test cricket. With the 2024/25 Ashes series looming, Root's introspective and data-driven approach, along with his recent technical and mental refinement, might just see him adding a century in Australia to his impressive career achievements in sports.
