English batsman Joe Root has some back problems after his big innings played at the Sydney Cricket Ground. He is unlikely to take the field again on the second day, which has increased the pressure on the British before the Sri Lanka tour.
England are struggling with injuries during this Ashes tour. The Ashes began with Australia’s players ruled out through injuries; However, by the end of the series, many English players had suffered the same fate. Joffra Archer and Gus Atkinson were also among the players who were ruled out due to injury in this Ashes series.
In the final match of the series between England and Australia, the England legend gave his best performance and played a brilliant innings under pressure. England were able to score a good score while batting for 5 sessions, all the credit for which goes to Root’s inning of 160 runs.
Joe Root’s latest injury has created new trouble for England
Despite scoring his first century on Australian soil in the pink-ball Test at the Gabba, England great Joe Root has not been in the best of form this Ashes. He averaged around 33 throughout the Ashes until he reached his peak at the SCG.
Root batted brilliantly in the Sydney Test and made a strong start to 2026. Root scored 160 runs from 242 balls and formed some valuable partnerships with Harry Brook and Jamie Smith to lead the England innings.
However, the worrying news for England is that Root is having some back problems and will not take the field on the second day. England will hope that the injury scare is nothing serious and Root will be back on the field soon.
England say Joe Root has “discomfort” in his back and is unlikely to take the field again today.
– Will MacPherson (@willis_macp) 5 January 2026
Joe Root equals Australian legend in terms of big test records
The Sydney wicket appeared to be a batting paradise as on this track, not only did Joe Root bat at his best in this Ashes series, but Australia opener Travis Head, along with Marnus Labuschagne, also showed amazing composure, giving his team a flying start in the second innings of the match.
Root scored his 41st Test century, which is equal to former Australian captain Ricky Ponting for the third most centuries in Test cricket. He is now only behind former South African all-rounder Jacques Kallis, who scored 45 centuries in his career, to score the second highest number of centuries in red ball history.
Root, who is currently chasing Indian legend Sachin Tendulkar’s tally of runs and is less than 2000 runs short of his mammoth milestone, can also chase the younger master’s record of most Test cricket centuries, which includes 51 centuries.
Joe Root’s ODI campaign in Sri Lanka will be affected due to injuries
After this, after the Ashes, the England team will go to Sri Lanka with its team. The country is the official host of the ICC T20 World Cup along with India, and a series there will give the British an early introduction to the conditions in the subcontinent.
Joe Root has been selected for England’s three-match ODI series, which will precede the T20Is against Sri Lanka. Root is an important part of the England ODI setup and was the leading run-scorer in 50-over cricket in 2025.
He has been an integral part of the team since his return ahead of the ICC World Cup 2023. However, if Root’s injury worsens, it could be a matter of concern for England ahead of the Sri Lanka tour.
Also read: 1,984 runs left: When will Joe Root overtake Sachin Tendulkar as the batsman who has scored the most runs in Test cricket?