Joe Root has been England’s most consistent batter in Test cricket. However, he has never scored a century in Australia. Root has 892 runs from 27 innings Down Under at an average of 35.68, including nine half-centuries. Despite crossing 80 three times, he has failed to convert those into hundreds.
According to former England spinner Monty Panesar, the upcoming Ashes 2025 could be career-defining for Root. Panesar believes that if Root struggles again in Australia, his Test future may come under serious question.
Panesar Draws Virat Kohli Comparison
Speaking to IndiaToday.in, Panesar said, “It really depends how next year goes for him, how the Ashes go, we saw very much with Virat Kohli, right? He went to Australia and he just didn’t know what to do with that ball outside 4th, 5th stump. I think that kind of led to his decision or a collective decision for him to retire. And yeah, if Joe Root doesn’t have a good Ashes series and it goes really bad for him.”
He further added, “Suddenly all it takes one series and you look, it’s a different ball game altogether. England could lose their coach, their captain, if it’s a very bad series, a few jobs could be done. Suddenly people begin questioning, is he gone past his best? So it’s very important when you go to Australia, doesn’t matter how good you are, you’ve got to perform in Australia.”
Root’s Challenge Against Australian Attack
Panesar doubts Root’s chances of ending his century drought in Australia during the Ashes 2025. He praised the current Australian attack as one of the strongest in recent history.
“It’s going to be very difficult for him because he’s going to be facing a strong Australian attack, and this is probably one of the strongest bowling attacks we’ve seen. But the form he’s shown, and the runs he’s scoring, he would probably want to score 100. I’m sure there will be one of those Test matches, where the wicket isn’t so bouncy, there’s not so much pace in it possibly at Adelaide or, even in Melbourne, depending on the conditions. Well he’s got a chance, but anything a bit bouncy or quick, I think, it’d be, it’d be a little bit difficult for him,” Panesar explained.
Root’s performance in the Ashes 2025 will not only define his personal records but also England’s hopes in Australia.
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