Joe Root has emphatically ended the long-running debate about his 'all-time great' status by scoring a maiden Test century on Australian soil. The England batter's unbeaten 135 on the opening day of the second Ashes Test in Brisbane has not only rescued his side but has forced even his most ardent Australian doubters to concede his greatness.
A Hoodoo Finally Laid to Rest
Entering this Ashes series, a curious anomaly hung over Joe Root's glittering career. Despite amassing over 13,000 Test runs – placing him second only to Sachin Tendulkar – the Yorkshireman had never reached three figures in any format in Australia. This absence was a major subplot, with figures like former Australia coach Darren Lehmann suggesting it was a barrier to being considered among the sport's true legends.
That narrative was shattered on Thursday 04 December 2025. In his 16th Test and 30th innings in the country, Root displayed immense resilience. Coming to the crease with England reeling at five for two, he survived a dropped catch by Steve Smith on just two and later navigated two lbw reviews to compile a chanceless masterclass. His 40th Test hundred was met with a characteristically understated celebration: a kiss of the helmet badge and a modest shrug of the shoulders.
Praise from Legends and a Naked Reprieve
The significance of the innings was immediately recognised by peers and pundits. Sir Alastair Cook, Root's former England captain, declared on TNT Sports: "Even Australia will have to admit he's a great now. He is England's best batter ever." Michael Vaughan, the 2005 Ashes-winning skipper, called it a "technical masterclass" and Root's "most precious" century.
The milestone also spared one high-profile Australian backer considerable embarrassment. Former opener Matthew Hayden had jokingly pledged to "walk nude" around the Melbourne Cricket Ground if Root failed to score a hundred this series. In a congratulatory video message, a relieved Hayden said: "Congratulations mate... there was no one that had more skin in the game than me, literally."
A Defining Innings for England's Hopes
Root's century, his tenth score over fifty in Australia, was a vital response to a difficult start for the tourists. After scores of nought and eight in the first Test defeat in Perth, his commanding knock guided England to a stumps total of 325 for nine in challenging day-night conditions. The innings has fundamentally shifted the momentum of the series and underlined his indispensable value to the side.
By conquering his final frontier, Joe Root has not only ticked a major box on his illustrious CV but has solidified his legacy as one of cricket's modern giants. The debate over his standing is, for now, conclusively over.
