Joe Root Hits Maiden Test Century in Australia, Celebrates with a Shrug

Joe Root achieved a significant milestone during the second Test of the 2025-26 Ashes series at The Gabba, marking his first Test century in Australia. This moment came after 12 long years since his first experience in Australia as a young debutant in 2013, where he faced a tough introduction to the Ashes.

Breaking Through: Joe Root’s Maiden Test Century in Australia

The 40th Test century of Root’s career arrived amid intense pressure, both personally and for the England team. He completed this achievement on December 1, 2025, at 8:40 PM local time, having previously struggled to score centuries on Australian soil. After his match-winning performances this year, including his fourth century and tenth since the beginning of 2024, the atmosphere was charged.

Career Context

• Root made his debut in Australia in 2013 at The Gabba.
• He experienced significant challenges during subsequent tours in 2017-18 and 2021-22.
• Before this milestone, he had no centuries in 19 Test innings in Australia.

Root’s innings, 135 runs off 224 balls, highlighted not only his technical skill but also his mental fortitude. This century was achieved without the presence of key Australian bowlers, including Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood, who were unavailable for this Test. His breakthrough was celebrated with a shrug—a gesture that seemed to convey relief and irony given the long wait for this moment.

Support from Teammates

Ben Stokes, Root’s captain and teammate, emotionally cheered on the boundary as Root passed critical milestones within his innings. Their partnership was significant, as both players have faced adversities together in previous Ashes series. This bond likely fueled Root’s performance, showcasing the importance of team dynamics in high-pressure situations.

Strategic Play and Resilience

Throughout his innings, Root displayed strategic intellect, particularly when adapting to early bowling threats. His ability to absorb pressure, often seen as a defining trait, allowed him to stabilize the England innings after early wickets. He navigated a near-crisis moment when his captain, Stokes, was run out—showing poise under pressure.

Recent Performances

• Root’s 135 helped England to a total of 325 runs for 9 wickets.
• He has accumulated 1,000 runs in the calendar year leading up to this century.
• This century enhances Root’s reputation as one of England’s finest Test batters.

With this century, Joe Root has not only distinguished himself but also reinforced his legacy as one of England’s greatest cricketers. The emotional weight of this achievement is felt across the team and every loyal England supporter. As the series continues, Root’s performance will be pivotal in influencing the Ashes outcomes. El-Balad looks forward to monitoring his contributions as the series unfolds.