After years of waiting, Joe Root has finally reached a major milestone — his first-ever Test century on Australian soil. Former team-mate Sir Alastair Cook summed it up perfectly: “Even Australia will have to admit he’s a great now.”
Root, 34, walked in with England struggling at 5-2 and under intense pressure. Dropped early on two runs and losing partners at the other end, he showed his trademark calmness and class to bring up the 40th Test century of his incredible career — and his very first one in Australia, ending a long-standing talking point.
His century came with a flick to fine leg followed by a simple shrug and a modest celebration. Cook praised the innings as “exactly what England needed” and called Root England’s best batsman.
Before this knock, Root had nine fifties and 900 runs in Australia but an average of just 33.33, leading some Australian media to mock him as “Average Joe”. With this innings, Root now moves within touching distance of Ricky Ponting’s record for Test hundreds and firmly shuts down claims that he can’t be considered an all-time great without an Australian century.
A Pressure-Filled Innings Root Will Never Forget
Root ended day one in a fast-scoring partnership with Jofra Archer, lifting England to 325-9. His approach was cautious early — playing fewer attacking shots and surviving key moments, including lbw reviews on 62 and 73. He even overcame the issue critics often pointed out: his struggles with edges behind the wicket, especially in Australian conditions.
Dropped early by Steve Smith, Root grew more confident as the innings progressed. He adjusted his technique, played straighter, attacked down the ground, and advanced down the pitch to counter the pink ball movement.
Former captain Michael Vaughan praised Root’s mental strength, saying scoring a hundred in Australia under this pressure was “remarkable”.
Reactions from Australian Legends
Former opener Matthew Hayden, who jokingly promised to walk naked around the MCG if Root didn’t score a century this series, congratulated him warmly:
“Finally, a hundred. You little ripper — enjoy it!”
Legendary bowler Glenn McGrath also highlighted that this inning confirms Root’s status as a true great of the modern era.
Eye on History – Can Root Catch Tendulkar?
Root insists he focuses on the team first, not personal records. But now, with this milestone reached, only one giant landmark remains:
Sachin Tendulkar’s all-time Test runs record.
Root is 2,235 runs behind, and at his current pace, he could surpass Tendulkar by 2027 — a staggering achievement.
As Vaughan put it:
“If his back holds up, he’ll beat Tendulkar’s record in two and a half years.”
Joe Root’s Australian century doesn’t just silence critics — it cements his legacy as one of cricket’s greatest players across all formats.
