England’s batting star Joe Root is preparing for his biggest challenge yet — scoring his maiden Test century in Australia when the Ashes 2025 begins on November 21 at Perth Stadium. The series will play a vital role in both teams’ ICC World Test Championship campaigns.
England, fresh off a 2-2 draw against Shubman Gill young India side, aim to win their first Ashes series in Australia since 2011. Root’s consistent scoring in recent years — 22 centuries since 2021 — will be crucial if the team is to end that drought.
Long Wait for a Century Down Under
In 14 previous Tests in Australia, Root has compiled 892 runs at 35.68 without crossing the hundred mark. His record includes nine fifties, three scores in the 80s, and a highest of 89. Despite his consistency, the milestone has eluded him.
On the 2021-22 tour, Root was England top scorer with 322 runs at 32.20 in five Tests. “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.
Learning from Past Tours
Root admits that in previous visits he allowed the chase for a century to distract him. “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 said.
England sit fourth in the WTC standings, and Root believes the squad is better equipped for this tour. Reflecting on earlier series, he noted: “There were a lot of distractions. 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 added.
Root’s Ashes Numbers and 2025 Fixtures
Root ranks 17th on the all-time Ashes run chart with 2,428 runs at 40.46. He has scored four centuries and 18 half-centuries. His highest score in the rivalry is 180. In the 2023 home Ashes, he scored 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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