Joe Root’s enduring romance with Test cricket reached another glorious chapter on Monday as England’s premier batter produced a monumental century in the fifth Ashes Test at Sydney.
With this sublime effort, Root edged closer to two of the game’s most revered milestones, further cementing his status among the modern greats.
Root’s hundred was his second of the ongoing Ashes series and the 41st of his illustrious Test career. In the process, he drew level with Australian legend Ricky Ponting for third place on the all-time list of Test centuries, trailing only Sachin Tendulkar (51) and Jacques Kallis (45).
Notably, the landmark came in Root’s 163rd Test, highlighting his extraordinary longevity and consistency at the highest level.
The 35-year-old reached three figures in trademark composure, clipping Michael Neser for two to bring up his century. He then went on to craft a commanding 160 off 242 deliveries, an innings laced with 15 boundaries.
Root’s masterclass formed the backbone of England’s total of 384, once again proving his value in challenging away conditions.
Importantly, this was Root’s second century of the series in Australia, following his unbeaten 138 in the Brisbane day-night Test. That innings had already ended a prolonged century drought in Australia, which had persisted across three previous tours.
Consequently, his Sydney hundred further underlined his resurgence and adaptability on Australian soil. With this knock, Root registered his 17th score of 150 or more in Test cricket. As a result, he moved to fifth place on the all-time list.
He now sits just one such innings behind Don Bradman (18) and within touching distance of Brian Lara and Kumar Sangakkara, who share second place with 19 apiece.
Only Tendulkar, with 20 scores of 150-plus, remains clearly ahead.
Equally striking is Root’s dominance in the modern era. Since 2021, he has amassed 24 Test centuries—more than double that of any contemporary.
By comparison, the next best, including Steve Smith, Kane Williamson, Harry Brook and Shubman Gill, have managed 10 each during the same period.
This staggering consistency sets Root apart as the defining Test batter of his generation.
Furthermore, Root has now joined Michael Vaughan and Alastair Cook. They are the only three England batters to score multiple centuries in an away Ashes series since 1994/95.
As records continue to fall, Root’s Sydney masterpiece stands as yet another reminder of his enduring brilliance in Test cricket.
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