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| Image Source: Sky Sports |
That narrative changed emphatically on Day 1 of the pivotal Second Ashes Test at The Gabba, Brisbane, an electrifying Day/Night encounter that served as a microcosm of the intense ENG vs AUS rivalry.
The moment Root raised his bat, having conquered the pressure cooker of the ‘Gabbatoir’ to score his maiden Australian hundred, it was more than just a personal milestone. It was a statement of intent that dramatically altered the complexion of the series and set a defiant tone for the rest of the Ashes 2025 campaign.
Gabba Glory: A Century Built on Resolve
Entering the Day/Night Test match following a bruising defeat in the series opener in Perth, England needed a figurehead to anchor their innings, particularly after the hostile welcome served up by the Australian pace attack. Mitchell Starc, bowling with the pink Kookaburra ball, leveraged the lights and the conditions to devastating effect, ripping through the top order. England quickly slumped to an ominous 5 runs for 2 wickets, and the familiar dread of an Ashes collapse Down Under began to settle in.
This was the cue for Joe Root, who strode to the crease under immense pressure. What followed was a masterclass in resilience and technique. Over four tours and thirty innings, the Yorkshireman had patiently awaited this moment. He compiled an innings that defied the early carnage, standing firm as wickets tumbled around him. The century, secured with a gentle clip to the leg side, was greeted with a roar from the travelling Barmy Army and a visible release of tension from the man himself.
Root’s knock, eventually reaching an unbeaten 135, was a study in controlled aggression. It included a crucial 117-run partnership with opener Zak Crawley, stabilizing the innings when the live cricket score was painting a bleak picture for the visitors.
The significance of the innings was not lost on the dressing room, particularly his batting partner. Speaking after the day's play, Zak Crawley was quick to praise the innings, highlighting the character of the man behind the bat. Crawley remarked on the "humble" nature of Root, noting the tremendous physical and mental effort required to break such a long-standing drought in the biggest bilateral series in world cricket. This acknowledgement, referenced across multiple reports, underscores the emotional weight lifted from England’s premier batsman. Root’s ability to transition from a stabilizing force to an aggressive counter-puncher—including bringing out the unconventional reverse-scoop for six late in the day—ensured England reached a highly competitive total, giving them a much-needed foothold in the Australia vs England contest.
The Global Context: Joe Root’s Century Number 40
While the Gabba breakthrough held massive personal and series-shaping significance, it also marked a profound moment in Joe Root’s overall legacy. The hundred was his 40th Test century, elevating him further into the elite pantheon of Test match batting legends.
This achievement places Root fourth on the all-time list of most Test centuries, surpassing some true icons of the game. He now stands only one behind former Australian captain Ricky Ponting (41), and within striking distance of the monumental hauls set by Jacques Kallis (45) and the undisputed master, Sachin Tendulkar (51).
| Ranking | Player | Test Centuries |
| 1 | Sachin Tendulkar (IND) | 51 |
| 2 | Jacques Kallis (SA) | 45 |
| 3 | Ricky Ponting (AUS) | 41 |
| 4 | Joe Root (ENG) | 40 |
Root is now miles ahead as England’s leading Test century-maker, far surpassing the previous best of 33 set by Sir Alastair Cook. The consistent quality and sheer volume of runs he has scored since his debut have confirmed his status not just as an England great, but as one of the most complete batsmen the game has ever produced. The monkey of the Joe Root century against Australia on Australian turf has finally been removed, clearing the path for him to potentially challenge the all-time century record in the coming years.
Setting the Stage for The Ashes 2025-26
The current series, officially the 2025-26 Ashes, is shaping up to be an enthralling battle. Root’s performance is critical, as England attempts to win the urn back in Australia for the first time since the 2010-11 tour. His leadership—whether tactical on the field or inspirational in the dressing room—is invaluable to Ben Stokes’ side.
This current match at The Gabba is the second Test of the series. The anticipation remains sky-high for the remaining fixtures in this pivotal Australia vs England Ashes campaign. The road ahead for the historic urn continues across Australia’s most iconic venues:
- 3rd Test: Adelaide Oval (Day/Night)
- 4th Test: Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) – The legendary Boxing Day Test
- 5th Test: Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) – The traditional New Year’s Test
Root’s century provides England with a massive injection of confidence. A resilient performance like the one witnessed at the Gabba is precisely what the "Bazball" era is built upon—the ability to absorb pressure and counterattack fiercely. It ensures that the ENG vs AUS Ashes 2025 remains a fiercely competitive series.
In the perpetual struggle for dominance in the longest format of the game, one batsman’s mental fortitude has delivered a potentially series-defining blow. Joe Root did not just score a hundred; he banished a decade-long psychological hurdle for himself and his team. As the series progresses, that single, hard-fought Joe Root century in Australia may be remembered not just as a personal peak, but as the turning point that fueled England’s fight for the Ashes urn.
