Joe Root once again proved why he is England’s batting backbone. The senior batter scored his 41st Test century during the fifth and final Ashes Test against Australia at the Sydney Cricket Ground. The hundreds came on Day 2 and lifted England from a tricky position to a strong first-inning total.
Root reached the milestone in 146 balls. He played with calm control and sharp shot selection. The inning showed patience, early authority once set. With this knock, Root moved level with Australian great Ricky Ponting on the list of players with the most Test centuries.
It was also Root’s second hundred of the series and his first red-ball century at the SCG.
Joe Root Joins Elite Company in Test Cricket
Root’s century placed him joint third on the all-time list of Test hundreds. Only Sachin Tendulkar and Jacques Kallis now stand ahead of him.
Root reached 41 hundreds in 163 Tests. Ponting needed 168 matches to reach the same mark. This comparison highlights Root’s consistency across conditions and eras.
A true great of the game 🏏
Joe Root moves level with ICC Hall of Famer Ricky Ponting 📝
More 📲 https://t.co/AEFYMgudtk pic.twitter.com/JfN6kVGxrx
— ICC (@ICC) January 5, 2026
The landmark hundred also became the first international century of the 2026 calendar year, underlining Root’s strong form at the start of the year.
Who Is Joe Root?
Joe Root is one of England’s greatest modern-day cricketers. He made his Test debut in 2012 and quickly became a key part of England’s batting order. Known for his solid technique, quick footwork, and ability to adapt, Root has scored runs in all major cricketing nations.
He has captained England in Test cricket and remains a senior leader in the squad. Root’s hunger for runs and calm approach under pressure define his career. Over the years, he has delivered in big series, especially in the Ashes, where expectations remain high.
At 35, Root continues to set new benchmarks and inspire the next generation of English batters.
How Root Built His SCG Masterclass
Root resumed Day 2 on 72 and batted through the morning session. He handled Australia’s pace attack with ease. His innings included 11 boundaries and smart strike rotation.
He reached his hundred with a simple push for two runs. The moment reflected his style. He values substance over flair and focuses on the team’s needs. Root eventually scored 160 runs before falling to Michael Neser. His dismissal came at a time when England looked set for a 400-plus total.
Key Partnerships That Changed the Game
Root’s innings stood on strong partnerships. He added 169 runs with Harry Brook, a stand that stretched across two days. The pair blunted Australia’s momentum and rebuilt England’s innings.
Later, Root shared a 94-run partnership with Jamie Smith, and that stand frustrated the hosts and pushed England into a commanding position. These partnerships showed Root’s ability to guide younger players and control the tempo of the game.
Root’s Growing Impact in Australia
Before this tour, Root had never scored an international century in Australia. He ended that drought earlier in the series with an unbeaten 138 in Brisbane. The Sydney century confirmed his dominance in the latter half of the Ashes.
This shift adds a new chapter to Root’s relationship with Australian conditions. He now stands as one of the most successful visiting batters in recent times. England were eventually bowled out for 384, falling short of a bigger total. Still, Root’s innings gave the team stability and belief.
While Australia has already retained the Ashes, Root’s performance ensured England finished the series with pride. His century will remain one of the standout moments of the tour.
