Star England batter Joe Root is determined to score his maiden Test century in Australia when the Ashes 2025 begins on November 21 in Perth. This five-match series will be crucial for both sides in the ICC World Test Championship race. England, who recently drew 2-2 against a Shubman Gill-led Indian side, seek their first Ashes win in Australia since 2011 and their first series win overall since 2015.
Root, who has hit 22 centuries since 2021, has never reached three figures in Australia. In 14 Tests Down Under, he has scored 892 runs at an average of 35.68, with nine half-centuries and a best of 89. Three of those scores were in the 80s, underlining his frustration at missing the milestone.
During the last tour in 2021-22, England suffered a 4-0 defeat, but Root was their top scorer with 322 runs at 32.20, including three fifties. “Having played in Australia a couple of times before, now going with 150-odd Test caps under my belt, I feel I could not be more ready for it,” Root told ICC.
Root Reflects on Missed Opportunities
“The thing that stands out for me is I probably wanted it a century way too much the last couple of times. It took me away from what was important,” he added.
England currently sit fourth in the WTC standings. A strong showing in Australia is essential for their hopes of reaching the final. Root believes the team is better prepared this time than on previous tours.
“There were a lot of distractions,” he said of past series. “I was captain, COVID-19 (in 2021-22), there was the Ben Stokes incident the time before that, the Jonny (Bairstow) headbutt incident as well.
“This time I want to just go and enjoy the tour for what it is. It is a beautiful country, it is a great place to go and play cricket. I know if I put my best performances in then everything else will look after itself,” he concluded.
Root’s Ashes Record and Series Schedule
Root is the 17th-highest scorer in Ashes history with 2,428 runs at 40.46, including four centuries and 18 fifties. His best is 180. In the 2023 home Ashes, he made 412 runs at 51.50 with one century and two fifties.
Ashes 2025 Schedule:
- First Test: Perth Stadium, Nov 21-25
- Second Test: Gabba, Dec 4-8
- Third Test: Adelaide Oval, Dec 17-21
- Fourth Test: MCG, Dec 26-30
- Fifth Test: SCG, Jan 4-8
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