EnglandThis is a modern day great Joe Root He has achieved almost everything in Test cricket – from scoring centuries around the world to leading his team through high-pressure Ashes competitions. Still, there is one missing chapter left in his otherwise impeccable resume – a Test century. Australia,
Root’s record in Australia underlines both his consistency and frustration. The English legend has scored 892 runs in 27 innings at an average of 35.68 with nine half-centuries, but no century. Three innings in the 80s and his best score of 89 shows how close he has come. Even during the 2021-22 Ashes, where England suffered a 4-0 defeat, Root emerged as their top run-scorer in five Test matches with 322 runs at an average of 32.20, which included three fifties.
In form of The Ashes 2025-26 Starting on November 21, the great Australian captain ricky ponting Has expressed strong belief that Root can finally overcome his mental barrier and achieve the long-awaited century in Australia.
Ricky Ponting explains why Joe Root can score his first century on Australian soil in the Ashes 2025-26
Ponting suggested that Root’s inability to reach a century in Australia was no longer due to technical flaws, but a mental block that had persisted over time. The former Australian captain said that Root’s batting is in a good phase at the moment and now he needs to overcome the psychological hurdle of past failures.
Ponting said Root’s form and rhythm put him in a good position to ultimately succeed. His confidence in Root’s ability reflected not only his admiration of his technique but also recognition of his flexibility. According to Ponting, the English batsman’s recent calmness and confidence is an indicator that he is mentally prepared to flourish in Australia this time.
“That’s it, this series is more of a mental thing for him than anything else. His game is fantastic right now. He has to get over that little mental hurdle and get 100 points. And I really think he will get 100 points this time.” Ponting said quoting the ICC.
Also read: Joe Root reflects on his Test century drought in Australia ahead of Ashes 2025-26
Ponting highlights Root’s technical progress
Ponting said that Root has improved a lot as a player since his last tour of Australia. In earlier tours, he was often affected by the extra bounce and pace of Australian surfaces, which exposed small flaws in his defensive technique. However, Ponting believes Root has now rectified those weaknesses and is better equipped to handle Australian conditions.
The former Australian captain pointed out that Root has worked hard on adjusting his balance, back-foot play and decisions outside the off-stump. This has allowed him to eliminate the type of dismissals that have occurred repeatedly in previous Ashes tours.
“I think he’s better than ever as a player now. Other times when he’s come to Australia, he’s had one or two small technical problems, which the Australian fast bowlers have been able to exploit on wickets with extra bounce.” Ponting said.
Golden opportunity for Root in the upcoming Ashes
Retaining their unbeaten home record since 2011 and their possession of the vase since 2018, Australia will once again start the Ashes as favourites. However, England’s drawn series at home in 2023 has given them new confidence to go ahead in this competition. For Root, this series represents more than an opportunity to reclaim the Ashes – it is an opportunity for personal redemption and historic closure. A century in Australia would not only complete his cricketing journey but also put to rest years of doubt about his record.